The Leader in Aircraft Maintenance in Chicago

Aircraft maintenance is a comprehensive, ongoing process designed to meet the standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). No one knows that better than J.A. Air Center, the leader in aircraft maintenance in Chicago.

With nearly 50 years of experience, our Class IV Part 145 Repair Station is FAA Authorized and EASA Approved. Our teams of experienced and trained technicians provide service for almost every airframe and engine event, scheduled or unscheduled, on numerous models of Jet, Turboprop and Piston aircraft.

With temperatures getting colder, we have some winter aircraft maintenance tips below for things you can do yourself or, if you’re short on time, you can ask J.A. Air Center to do.

As we head for the heart of winter, the days shorten, the temps dip, and, usually anyway, we get snow dumped on us fairly often. Check out these tips to make sure you—and your aircraft—are ready for the winter ahead.

Wash and wax : Taking the time to wash and wax your aircraft, including windows, will pay off when the ice and snow hit. Dirt and bugs attract the snow and ice, helping them to stick. Having your aircraft detailed lets it all slide right off.

Change the oil : Changing the oil rids the system of acids, contaminants, and any water that may be present. This also allows you to change from straight-weight oil to a thinner one meant for colder temperatures, and you may want to consider an anti-corrosion additive.

Lubricate the airframe : Lubricants play an important role when it comes to protecting your aircraft from the cold of winter. Lubricating them according to schedule will not only help prevent wear and corrosion but also help reduce strain on components that are cold sensitive and tend to become stiff.

Conduct a battery check : Check the main battery by having it tested to make sure it has the required capacity. If it fails the test, replace it. This may be a good time to consider buying a maintenance-free battery. Replace all other batteries as well—in headsets, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.

Check the heating system : Make sure to thoroughly check the heating system, including the exhaust system that usually supplies heat to single-engine aircraft. No one wants to discover the heat doesn’t work once up in the air, and a carbon monoxide leak can be deadly.

Preheating check : This is also the time to check over your engine preheater if you have one. If you don’t, you may want to consider buying one. Also, a small, fire-safe ceramic heater for the interior reduces the expansion/contraction on interior parts.

Emergency preparedness : Preparing for emergencies should be done year-round, including items such as a first-aid kit, bottled water, and snacks. For winter, add an emergency blanket, lighter, hats and gloves to your usual emergency gear.

Your aircraft deserves the best, and J.A. Air Center delivers it. No matter what you need, from regular maintenance to upgraded avionics, our team of specialists will have you back up and running with minimum downtime.

Sure, we are proud of all the awards for excellence that we have received. What means, even more, is the trust placed in us each time pilots return with their aircraft for additional work.   Give us a call  and find out why we are the leader for aircraft maintenance in Chicago.