Ignoring Service Bulletins and ADs Can Lead to Tragedy – Episode 84

Ignore that seemingly mundane safety bulletin at your own peril. John, Greg and guest Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, talk about the importance of knowing and acting on all levels of service instructions.

Three levels of service instructions are routinely issued for aircraft. Service letters are generally informational. Service Bulletins ask for a higher level of attention and action. Airworthiness Directives indicate a serious safety issue. John, Greg and Jason argue that each is worthy of attention because they all improve aircraft safety.

They share first-hand experiences of negative outcomes when service information is ignored or completed incorrectly. They argue that the time and cost needed to track and address these notices are important investments every airplane owner needs to make.

Special advice is offered for anyone in the market to purchase a plane. Some research and asking the right questions can go a long way to getting full disclosure on the status of all related service bulletins.