Aviation Maintenance Guides

Plain-language explainers for owners, mechanics, and restorers

How to Read an Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)

Figure numbers, item numbers, indenture levels, and effectivity codes explained — everything you need to find the right part number in a manufacturer IPC.

Buying Aircraft Parts: New, Overhauled, Used, and PMA

What the paperwork means, when used hardware is fine, when it isn’t, and how to avoid getting burned on a part you can’t legally install.