One of the benefits of working with a licensed FAA repair shop for the overhauling of your aircraft engine is that they provide thorough documentation of every step of your engine’s overhaul process.  It is equally as important that you provide completed, up-to-date logbooks to your overhaul repair shop.

It is acceptable to send copies, the important part is that the logbooks are completed and up-to-date as this helps to identify exactly what needs to be done to the engine.  For example, if you have recently replaced a turbo charger or other accessory, you won’t need to overhaul these components again.  This is also the time to check your propeller logs, if it’s close to needing work, this is the best time to do it.  The logbooks and crankshaft are also checked before disassembly to see if it may be under an AD notice.

Providing as much information about the engine as possible will help ensure that you receive the best service possible saving you time and cost.  Please share any experiences you have had with not providing adequate information to your overhaul repair shop or how providing up-to-date logbooks created a positive outcome.

In our previous blogs we have been discussing important considerations when overhauling your aircraft engine.  One of the most intensive debates is whether to use OEM or PMA parts.

What is the difference between using original OEM factory parts and FAA approved PMA parts? It depends on whom you ask.  If you ask an OEM manufacturer they will most likely adamantly tell you that if the OEM didn’t make it there is no guarantee that it will perform as well the original and could ultimately put lives in jeopardy.  If you ask a PMA manufacturer they probably will be unwavering in their position that not only are PMA parts equivalent to the OEMs, but they are in fact superior.  The PMA groups back their argument with the fact that they have the advantage of monitoring the performance of the OEM’s and then creating an improved part.

The PMA manufacturers also boast about offering their customers lower prices (around 40% lower) and greater availability (often same-day shipment). The OEMs counter with the threatening question, “Are you willing to risk lives for a cheaper part or to get the part sooner?” This question is daunting enough for some to stick with the OEMs regardless of price or availability.

Another myth that troubles the customer trying to decide between OEM and PMA is that if you install a PMA part your warranty will be void.  That is simply untrue.   The OEM must warrant their product just as the PMA needs to warrant their product.

At Signature Engines we offer customers their choice of OEM parts such as Lycoming and Continental or PMA parts such as Superior Air Parts and ECI.  Some customers only want factory parts in their engine, but fewer and fewer owners are making that request.  Reputation and cost are often the two factors that drive the decision.

What has been your experience with OEM or PMA parts?  What factors influenced your decision? We look forward to hearing your feedback!

It’s More Than OK to Ask Questions…It’s Imperative!

Interview your aircraft engine repair shop. Choosing an aircraft engine repair shop is a very important and personal decision, like choosing a doctor, which deserves due diligence on your part.  In both cases, your life depends on it!

In our previous blog, we talked about the many benefits and added layers of safety you receive by choosing an FAA licensed repair shop, so hopefully… we have already convinced you that is the best place to start.  There is more than one FAA licensed repair shop out there, so how do you choose the one that is best for you?

Ask questions. Lots of them. In this blog, we will cover one of them (more to come in upcoming blogs.) Ask about the team that will be overhauling your aircraft engine.

• Who are they and what are they responsible for?
• How long has the current management, main assembly technicians and inspectors been with the company?
• Are they drug tested?

One of the benefits of working with an FAA licensed repair shop that we did not mention in our last blog is that the FAA mandates that a strict drug testing program is followed.  If there is frequent turnover of employees, it is unclear as to who is responsible for what part of the job or there is not a drug testing program in place, these could be indicators of problems with the people on the team.  People that you probably don’t want cutting your lawn, much less working on your aircraft engine. If geography allows for it, go and visit the shop and talk and meet with the team.  If not, phone interviews work as well.

Remember, when you need to have your aircraft engine overhauled, no one should care as much as you, so slow down and ask questions.