Monitor the Tach time, also known as the HOBBS, for the hours on the engines. When the HTach reads 2,000 hours since the last overhaul, take the 500 to your certified mechanic for its overhaul. It is crucial that this is done before the reading goes over 2,000 hours, even by .1 of an hour. Any overage is considered a breach of maintenance and must be reported to the FAA and heavy fines are levied.
Check all fluids prior to any flight. Oil checks, hydraulic fluids, fuel and oil pressure must be checked. Check the oil levels at the engine oil hatch with dipsticks. Check the hydraulic fluids with the gauge readings in the cockpit. Dip and cross-reference fuel levels with the fuel gauges on the cockpit panels.
Test the fuel prior to starting the engine. Use a fuel strainer and drain up to 6 ounces of fuel at the fuel testing port under each wing. Hold the fuel up to the light and look for sediment, or water. If sediment or water is in the fuel, the tanks must be changed before the aircraft may fly again.
Take the Citation in for its annual once a year. This is the required FAA safety inspection where all systems and the body is inspected. If the FAA inspector issues any ADs during the inspection, they are enforced for the life of the aircraft.
Go over all maintenance log books to check when ADs must be complied with. Like the overhaul, if any time on the engine is logged after the AD date, heavy fines are levied and the aircraft is grounded until the AD is complied with.
