Aviation ConsumerThe Consumer Resource for Pilots and Aircraft Owners

A lien on an airplane means a third party has an ownership interest in it. Never buy an airplane without proof there are no outstanding liens.

Just because it isn’t leaking oil doesn’t mean it’s doing its job. Proactive cleaning or replacement is worth the effort and expense.

Don’t throw good money after bad on major repairs to aging autopilots—or pay full price for a used airplane with one that hasn’t been upgraded.

Firing your flight instructor I found Rick Durden’s article “Upgrading Yourself: Make a Training Plan” in the February 2025 Aviation Consumer on point, except for the one-page sidebar: “Fire Your Instructor.” While I agree with...