Articles
Books
Videos & Webinars
Other Resources
Articles
Magazine Articles
Savvy’s founder and CEO, Mike Busch, has written a monthly maintenance column “Savvy Maintenance” in AOPA PILOT magazine as well as a GA maintenance column in EAA Sport Aviation Magazine. Those articles are archived below to inform your aircraft maintenance decisions.
SavvyAnalysis Puzzlers
Every month, Joe Godfrey, Savvy’s chief data analyst, presents captivating aviation “puzzlers” derived from real-life engine monitor data on the SavvyAnalysis platform, guiding pilots in identifying anomalies for real-time safety decisions and assisting owners in informed maintenance choices.
Savvy Stories
Hear real-life stories of problems experienced by aircraft owners and how Savvy helped resolve them. Some names have been changed for privacy.
Books by Mike Busch A&P/IA
Savvy’s Founder and CEO
Manifesto
by Mike Busch
Manifesto is the much-anticipated first book from renowned aviation columnist and speaker Mike Busch. Written in typical no-nonsense style, it lays out the basis of Mike’s “minimalist” maintenance philosophy for owner-flown general aviation aircraft. An owner who follows the book’s guidance can save a small fortune on maintenance costs and end up with a safer, more reliable aircraft. Owners are advised to perform the absolute least amount of maintenance required to make their aircraft safe, reliable and legal… and nothing more. The book explains in detail why engine and propeller TBOs and most other manufacturer-prescribed maintenance intervals should be disregarded. And Manifesto explains exactly how to do it.
Engines
by Mike Busch
Mike Busch on Engines expands the iconoclastic philosophy of his groundbreaking first book Manifesto to the design, operation, condition monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting of piston aircraft engines.Busch begins with the history and theory of four-stroke spark-ignition engines. He describes the construction of both the “top end” (cylinders) and “bottom end” (inside the case), and functioning of key systems (lubrication, ignition, carburetion, fuel injection, turbocharging). He reviews modern engine leaning technique (which your POH probably has all wrong), and provides a detailed blueprint for maximizing the life of your engine. The second half presents a 21st-century approach to health assessment, maintenance, overhaul and troubleshooting. Busch explains how modern condition monitoring tools—like borescopy, oil analysis and digital engine monitor data analysis—allow you to extend engine life and overhaul strictly on-condition rather at an arbitrary TBO. The section devoted to troubleshooting problems like rough running, high oil consumption, temperamental ignition and turbocharging issues is worth its weight in gold.
Airplane Ownership Vol. 1
by Mike Busch
Volume 1 covers selecting, purchasing, insuring, and maintaining an aircraft. Busch emphasizes that it is the aircraft owner—not his mechanics—who bears the regulatory responsibility for airworthiness. He discusses how to choose the right mechanic or shop and how to manage the maintenance they perform. Busch dissects the much-dreaded annual inspection, and how owners can keep it from spiraling out of control. He offers guidance about the all-important post-maintenance test flight, and how to deal with an owner’s worst nightmare: a mechanical breakdown far from home.
Airplane Ownership Vol. 2
by Mike Busch
Volume 2 covers the rules and regulations that every aircraft owner needs to know but is often not taught. It discusses owner-performed maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, aircraft modifications, twins, and resolving owner/mechanic disputes. It takes the reader on a guided tour through the various aircraft systems, discussing the operation, care and feeding of each one. It offers guidance on how to fly safely and efficiently, including leaning techniques, air-speed and altitude selection, and more. The volume concludes with Busch’s thoughts about the future of owner-flown general aviation and where we’re headed.
Videos & Webinars
Savvy’s YouTube channel hosts a comprehensive archive of over 100 webinars conducted by Mike, providing a valuable resource for aviation enthusiasts.
Other Resources
SavvyFree Resources
SavvyBasics & Analysis Resources
How to Fly the SavvyAnalysis Flight Test Profile:
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- Expanded Procedure (read first)
- Foreflight Import (1 page)
- Kneeboard-Size (1 page)
- How to Download Data From Your Engine Monitor
- Choosing and Upgrading Your Engine Monitor
- Where Does the Energy Go?
- EGT Myths Debunked
- How to Destroy Your Engine in One Minute
- Diagnostic Tales from the War Zone
- SavvyAnalysis Puzzlers (Archive)
SavvyQA & Mx Resources
Savvy Prebuy Checklists
- Cirrus SR2x prebuy checklist
- Cessna 210 prebuy checklist
- Cessna 172 182 170 180 prebuy checklist
- Beechcraft-Bonanza Debonair Travel Air Baron prebuy checklist
Maintenance Guidance
Additional Resources
Agreements
Borescope Initiative 
- Cylinder Borescope Inspection Training Video
- Cylinder Borescope Inspection Checklist
- Borescope Image Repository User Guide
For Service Centers
- Service Center Quick-Start Guide
- Service Guide for Service Centers
- Video: Mike Busch A&P/IA Demonstrates How to Lap an Exhaust Valve in Place Without Removing the Cylinder or Dropping the Exhaust
- Oil Control Ring Solvent Flush
- David Clark A&P Details How to Diagnose and Treat Sticking Exhaust Valves
Litigation Support