Hi, I’m Dean Showalter.  I help airplane owners understand maintenance in a way that inspires and equips them for safer flying.

My 25 years as an A&P/IA and pilot at Classic Aviation, LLC in Virginia, have given me a unique perspective.  Rather than working on only one type of airplane, I’ve had the opportunity to do extensive work on many different kinds of small single and twin piston powered airplanes.

I’ve done extensive maintenance work and annual inspections on many models of the following airplanes, and perhaps others that I can’t think of right now:

  • Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron
  • Cessna
  • Piper
  • Aerostar
  • Cirrus
  • Diamond
  • Grumman
  • American Champion
  • Mooney

Here’s a sampling of some specialized training opportunities I’ve had along the way (dates are approximate):

1994:  Began working as Classic Aviation Services, Inc.

1997:  Pratt & Whitney maintenance training in Quebec, Canada.

2005:  Diamond Aircraft maintenance training in London, Ontario, Canada.

2007:  Flight Safety maintenance training for Westwind jet.

2008:  Mike Busch’s Savvy Owner Seminar.

2012:  Continental Engine Factory Maintenance training.

2013:  Twin Cessna training at TAS Aviation with Tony Saxton.

2014:  American Bonanza Society Maintenance Academy.

One of my favorite things about being an A&P has been working directly with airplane owners.  I love meeting new people and teaching owners about maintenance.

In November of 2015, as a way to expand my love for both planes and people, I launched the Airplane Owner Maintenance Podcast.  It has been absolutely inspiring to meet so many enthusiastic and engaged airplane owners who want to dig deeper into understanding maintenance issues.

Regardless of the type of airplane you fly, if it’s powered by a piston engine, there’s a good chance I have something in the podcast you’ll find helpful.

2019 was a new level of inspiration for me as I attended the EAA Airventure event at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  It was my first time there, and I’m hooked!

I gave a presentation at Oshkosh titled, “Exhaust Valve Borescoping and Lapping.”  It was fantastic to see the interest in this topic.  I’m hopeful to help airplane owners understand how important borescoping is for piston powered airplanes.  This technology can literally save lives when we detect failing exhaust valves early, before they become an in-flight emergency.

My goal with borescoping, is to help save lives, and to train others to do the same.

Over the years, I have become a “Professional noticer of maintenance issues” on airplanes.  (Credit to Andy Andrews for the phrase, “Professional Noticer.”

Many times the things I share in the podcast are things I’ve “Noticed” while working in the shop at Classic Aviation LLC. People often find these stories helpful as they are often dealing with similar issues on their airplane as well… like Bret.

One of my airplane owner heroes is Bret Chilcott.  He owns a 1947 Stinson 108-2.  Bret found the Airplane Owner Maintenance Podcast soon after it was launched, and we’ve become good friends, even though he lives in Kansas, and I live in Virginia.  Bret surprised me with a video one day, and I’m super grateful because it illustrates so well how I like to help airplane owners. 

If you don’t have time to watch the short (3:17) video, here’s a quote Bret Shared:

“Without support from folks like you, owning an airplane would be beyond our means right now.  So we really appreciate your support.”

Thanks Bret! You’re an inspiration to all of us.