Page 21 - October 23

makes a good log entry. Is this a topic of interest to the average King Air owner? Maybe not, but bear with me.
Critical to Aircraft Value
Accurate logbooks are crucial to the value of any aircraft. When an aircraft changes hands, the logbooks come under intense scrutiny. If maintenance records are in disarray, maintenance items that have been complied with may not be found. These items will have to be re- done at the seller’s expense.
Missing logbooks are a serious problem. They wreak havoc on the value of an aircraft because damage history in the time span covered by the missing book(s) cannot be ruled out. If a missing logbook doesn’t kill the sale, it will certainly reduce the price.
If you haven’t done so already, have your logbooks scanned to a computer file. It’s good (and cheap) insurance. These days, digitized logbooks are practically a requirement for sellers.
What about your log books? When it’s your time to sell, how will they hold up?
Too Vague
Here’s a real example from a very poor log entry:
“Complied with all lube items currently due.”
This blew my mind! King Airs have lube item requirements due every 12 months plus a host of others due at 200-, 400-, 600-, 800- and 1200-hour intervals. Each is a special inspection unto itself. Some contain service items (replace a gasket, service a filter) in addition to specific lubrication tasks. There is no overlap or duplication. They’re all different and must be listed independently in the log entry.
Too Much Information
Here’s another real example:
“Pilot reported aircraft’s RH engine would not ignite. Troubleshooting carried out, igniter box Unison p/n 10-381550-1 s/n xxx found with very weak spark. New exciter Unison p/n 10-381550-4 s/n xxx (A.P.I. SO-xxx- xxx) installed. Aircraft ground run and operation of ignition system checked OK.”
OCTOBER 2023
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19