In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with A&P/IA mechanic and seaplane pilot Vernon Knowles to talk about what really keeps your airplane safe, legal, and running strong. From backcountry-style seaplane flying on the Red River to the gritty reality of annuals, 100-hour inspections, and burnt valves, this one is pure gold for owners, students, and working pilots.

Vernon breaks down:

• How to become an A&P mechanic (school vs. on-the-job experience) and what an IA actually does

• The real difference between annuals and 100-hour inspections—and why sitting airplanes often cost more to maintain than hard-working flight school birds

• Engine health 101: compression tests vs. borescope, oil analysis, leaning, and why turbocharged engines love to burn valves

• Why owners should show up for their annuals, learn what they’re looking at, and stop fighting their mechanic

• Corrosion, ADs, lav service horror stories, airline vs. GA maintenance culture, and what “treat it like it’s your airplane” really means

If you own an airplane, want to buy one, or are thinking about becoming a mechanic, this conversation will change how you look at maintenance forever.

Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Drop a comment below and we might cover it on a future Flight Tales!