For those who need sophisticated search capability and other products such as type certificates and service bulletins, CD-ROM sources may be the best choice.

by Jonathan Spencer

Are you an active or a passive aircraft owner when it comes to maintenance? Do you turn your airplane over to your mechanic each year for its annual and accept his word that all the airworthiness directives and service bulletins are complied with? Or do you track them yourself?

There are good reasons for investigating or at least understanding the ADs that apply to your airplane. More than a handful of models have recurring ADs that may come due between annuals. Chances are good that if you review the ADs and compare them to your logs, you’ll find one you’re not in compliance with. …