Frequently Asked Questions

PropPal is an AI-powered aviation maintenance assistant that helps pilots, mechanics, and aircraft owners quickly find answers from official aircraft maintenance manuals. Using advanced RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) technology, PropPal searches through comprehensive maintenance documentation to provide accurate, source-cited answers to your maintenance questions.

PropPal uses AI to search through digitized aircraft maintenance manuals. When you ask a question, our system finds the most relevant sections from official documentation, analyzes them, and provides a clear answer with citations. You can even view the original manual pages as sources.

No. PropPal is a reference tool designed to help you find information quickly. It is not a substitute for proper training, certification, or the judgment of a qualified A&P mechanic. Always consult with certified professionals for maintenance decisions and ensure all work complies with applicable regulations.

We currently offer maintenance manual packs for popular general aviation aircraft including Grumman AA-1, Cessna, Piper, and more. Check the Marketplace for our full catalog of available aircraft packs.

Yes! All registered users get 10 free queries, usable on any available aircraft pack — no credit card required. For unlimited access, subscription plans are available.

We offer several subscription tiers:

• Free: 10 queries on any pack (no subscription required)
• Solo: $25/mo — 1 aircraft slot
• Crew: $39/mo — 3 aircraft slots
• Fleet: $59/mo — unlimited aircraft
• Solo Annual: $199/yr — save 34%
• Inspection Pass: $49 for 30 days

You can upgrade or change your subscription at any time from the Account page. Upgrades take effect immediately, and you'll be credited for any unused time on your current plan.

You can cancel your subscription at any time from your Account page. Your access will continue until the end of your current billing period. After cancellation you'll revert to the free tier (10 lifetime queries).

An aircraft pack is a collection of digitized maintenance manuals for a specific aircraft type. Each pack includes the manufacturer's maintenance manual, parts catalogs, and other relevant documentation needed for maintenance and inspections.

Your subscribed aircraft packs are available under My Packs. Select an aircraft to start asking maintenance questions. You can switch between aircraft at any time.

Yes! If you don't see your aircraft in our catalog, you can request it through the Suggest Aircraft page. We prioritize new packs based on user demand.

Each pack typically includes:

• Manufacturer's Maintenance Manual
• Illustrated Parts Catalog
• Service Letters and Bulletins
• Component Overhaul Manuals (where applicable)

Content varies by aircraft type and availability.

PropPal includes automatic CFR Part 43 compliance analysis with every answer. This feature identifies whether a maintenance task qualifies as preventive maintenance (which pilots can perform) or requires a certified A&P mechanic, based on FAA regulations.

Yes, under CFR Part 43 Appendix A, certificated pilots can perform certain preventive maintenance tasks on aircraft they own or operate. PropPal helps identify which tasks qualify. However, always verify current regulations and consult with an A&P mechanic if unsure.

Preventive maintenance includes simple tasks like oil changes, tire replacement, and filter changes that pilots can perform. Major repairs require certified mechanics and may need FAA approval. PropPal's CFR 43 analysis helps clarify which category your maintenance question falls into.

No. While PropPal provides helpful CFR 43 analysis, regulations can be complex and subject to interpretation. Always consult current FAA regulations, Advisory Circulars, and qualified aviation professionals when making compliance decisions.

PropPal retrieves information directly from official maintenance manuals and provides source citations so you can verify the information. Our AI is designed to quote and reference documentation accurately, but always verify critical information against the original source documents.

Yes! PropPal provides clickable source citations with each answer. Clicking on a source opens the original manual page so you can verify the information and see additional context.

If PropPal can't find relevant information, it will let you know. This usually means the information isn't in the current manual set or your question may need to be rephrased. Try asking in different ways or contact support if you believe the information should be available.

Yes, we take security seriously. Your conversations and data are encrypted and stored securely. We do not share your personal information or query history with third parties. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.