Cessna Maintenance Checklist

Cessna aircraft need to be maintained regularly to ensure safety and proper functioning.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

The Cessna Aircraft Company was founded in 1927 and since then has become one of the leading manufacturers of light and midsized business jets, turboprops and single-engine aircraft. They are deployed all over the world for both public and private uses. In 2010, the Cessna Aircraft Company offered 19 different aircraft to choose from. With all aircraft it is important to maintain a regular maintenance checklist. Here are some of some of the important aircraft areas that need regular maintenance.

Engine Maintenance

The major successes of all aircraft flights rely on the well being of the plane's engine. All Cessna aircraft should have their engines inspected regularly to see that they are operating safely and efficiently. This includes ensuring that the engine is running at a reasonable engine temperature and reducing any engine vibration that exists because of loose parts or inadequate lubrication. All engine maintenance should be performed either by the Cessna Company or by a trained aircraft maintenance professional who can guarantee his work. For example, the "Citation Engine Program" by Cessna guarantees up to 10 years or 3,500 hours in flight (whichever comes first) of problem-free air travels after engine maintenance. The engine should function well and without issue for that period of time.

Body maintenance of the Cessna aircraft is important for ensuring the aircraft function predictably and without problems when in flight. Owners or operators should clean the plane regularly of dirt, oil and grease. This will ensure that dirt or grime on the side of the plane will not obstruct the tail fin and wing flaps during flight. It is also important to test the responsiveness and functioning of all wing flaps and tail fins, as these are essential components for a successful flight and landing. Windows should be wiped in an upward and downward motion, never swirling the cloth as this can scratch the windows, states General Aviation Maintenance.

The landing gear of a Cessna aircraft should be properly maintained and inspected prior to any flights. The doors that house the landing gear need to be checked to see that no part has come loose and will hinder the opening of the doors when approaching for a landing. Brake pads must be inspected to see if they are worn down and need to be replaced. Most Cessna aircraft are quite small and are capable of landing on smaller runways, so breaks must be functioning properly and effectively. Landing gear tires must have their pressure checked to see that they have enough pressure. Low pressure causes aircraft tires to wear down more quickly and can cause instability issues when landing.