Safeguard your warranty on aircraft maintenance repair services

Just like in the automotive industry, most aircraft manufacturers have specific instructions on how and when you should do maintenance on your plane. Pay close attention to these instructions, as going with a maintenance shop that isn't certified may void your warranty and cost you a lot of money down the road.

I recommend: Find a shop that specializes in corporate aircraft services for your specific brand of airplane. If you have a Piper, for instance, you'd want to find the Piper Aircraft dealer closest to you. The same goes for Cessna aircraft. Finding a mechanic who specializes in your particular type of plan will help protect the warranty and ensure that you get the best possible care.

Know who's who in the aircraft service industry

If you live in a big city with a large airport nearby, you should have your pick of aircraft maintenance services and shops. Finding the right one is a matter of looking at the different amenities that each one offers, and then talking to other plane owners in the area to find out what they liked and disliked about the different service centers. Price should also be a factor, so find out what their hourly shop rate is.

I recommend: Locate the nearest fixed base of operation (FBO) in the area. Most FBOs can not only fuel your airplane but can also handle most repairs and inspections. To find the nearest one, you can search by city at AirNav or visit the Aviation Directory online.

Learn the differences between aircraft maintenance services

Some shops only deal with sheet metal, while others only work on the electronic components of your aircraft. Knowing where to go in case of a problem is the first step toward getting it resolved quickly. Many FBOs can direct you to a specialty shop if the need arises, but it's still a good idea to know where to go.

I recommend: Find someone to handle the specific maintenance problem. If you're having an avionics problem, you want to take your plane into a shop that can handle avionics repairs. The Aviation Web Directory on GlobalAir.com can point you in the right direction with a list of over 1,000 avionics shops. Or, if you're buying a piece of equipment, such as a Garmin Aviation GPS system, you can go with a shop that the company recommends for installation.