Interesting Reading
Over the years, we've found many intersting articles and books on the Internet related to aircraft maintenance and management. Below are links to a few of them. While we can't say that we agree everything in these articles, we do believe they raise some interesting points for argument and discussion.
Internet Articles
There's a ton of good reading here. It will certainly get you thinking.
- Mike Busch's Savvy Aviatior Columns on AVweb.com
- Mark Cook's Motorhead Columns on AVweb.com
- John Deakin's Pellican's Perch Columns on AVweb.com
- Sacramento Sky Ranch's Troubleshooting Guide
Manufacturer's Reference Material and Literature
Books - Good Reading for Pilots
Sacramento Sky Ranch Books
John Schwaner of Sacramento Sky Ranch has written two books that we think are a must read for anyone intersted in more than just a cursory knowledge of aircraft engines and magnetos. The "Engineering Manual" contains 494 pages of indepth information on fatigue analysis, engine inspection, engine performance, lubricants, engine troubleshooting and more. The last time we looked it sold for $21.95 US.
The "Magneto Ignition System" contains 98 pages of detailed information on how magnetos work, what goes wrong with them and how to troubleshoot them. It sells for $12.95 US. Both are available on the Sacramento Sky Ranch website.
Reliability Centered Maintenance
In 1978, F.S. Nowlan and H.F. Heap of United Airlines published a 496 page technical report titled Reliability-Centered Maintenance. It became a milestone in aviation maintenance literature and over time changed maintenance practices around the world. Today, every major airline and military practices the principals developed by Nowlan and Heap.
It's a dense read, occasionally statistical on nature, but if you're responsible fleet maintenance it's a must have. Applying the practices outlined in this book could save your company thousands of dollars in annual maintenance costs.
It's available for download at a cost of $45 US from the US Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service and worth every penny.