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Aircraft Maintenance Records Guides

PlaneFacts guides explain how to read aircraft maintenance records, what to look for before a purchase, and how model-specific histories differ. Each guide is educational: it helps you organize the documented history and arrive at specific questions for a mechanic, inspector, appraiser or broker. None replaces a pre-buy inspection or an airworthiness determination.

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New to logbooks, or preparing for a purchase? These two guides frame everything else.

How to Read Aircraft Maintenance LogbooksLearn how to read aircraft logbooks, distinguish airframe and engine times, follow repairs, and turn unfamiliar maintenance entries into useful questions.What to Look for in Aircraft Logbooks Before You BuyReview aircraft logbooks before a pre-buy: confirm installed equipment, repairs, inspection evidence and missing documents, and brief the shop.

Engine records

How to read compression readings and oil-service history without over-reading the numbers.

Understanding Cylinder Compression ReadingsUnderstand aircraft compression readings, master-orifice references and cylinder trends, including the records needed to put a low reading in context.Oil-Change Intervals: What the Records Can and Can't Tell YouCalculate documented aircraft oil-change intervals accurately, check calendar time, and understand what missing entries and filter findings can tell you.

Repair and damage history

How to follow a repair from the logbook entry to its supporting documents and describe it accurately.

Damage History in Aircraft Records: How to Find ItFind aircraft damage and repair evidence across logbooks, Form 337s and public records, then describe the history accurately and focus the pre-buy review.

Model-specific records

Configuration, engine and directive questions that differ across Cirrus SR22 and SR22T, Beechcraft Bonanza, Piper M600, Daher TBM and Cessna Citation CJ aircraft.

Cirrus SR22T Maintenance Records: What Deserves a Closer LookReview Cirrus SR22T logbooks with a focus on turbo and exhaust work, CAPS components, engine evidence, repairs and the aircraft's actual configuration.Cirrus SR22 Maintenance Records: Read the Airplane Behind the GenerationUnderstand Cirrus SR22 maintenance records across generations, including engine history, CAPS, avionics upgrades, ice protection and modifications.Beechcraft Bonanza Maintenance Records: Connect the DecadesReview Bonanza logbooks across decades: model-specific inspections, V-tail records, landing gear, engine changes, repairs and alteration paperwork.Piper M600 Maintenance Records: What to Review Before BuyingReviewing a Piper M600? Learn what its records should show about the PT6A-42A, propeller, inspections, repairs and M600/SLS equipment.Daher TBM Maintenance Records: Read the History of the Aircraft You Are BuyingReview Daher TBM maintenance records by model and engine: inspection status, component histories, upgrades, program claims and missing evidence.Cessna Citation CJ Maintenance Records: What a Buyer Should ReviewReviewing a Citation CJ? Learn how to assess inspection-program status, separate engine histories, cycles, modifications and maintenance-program claims.

Value, leadership and insurance

How a documented maintenance history supports conversations about value, leadership decisions and insurance.

How Documented Maintenance Supports Aircraft ValueSee how documented maintenance supports aircraft valuation, explains significant work and helps buyers distinguish known costs from unanswered questions.Presenting Maintenance History to LeadershipBuild an executive aircraft maintenance summary covering completed work, open questions, budget implications and decisions, with sources.Maintenance Records and Aircraft Insurance ConversationsPrepare a clear maintenance-history packet for your aviation insurance broker: what to include, what to ask first, and what a report cannot prove.

Looking for a term in a logbook entry? See the glossary of aircraft logbook abbreviations and terms.