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Expert: - 9/14/2004


Question
I am interested in purchasing a single engine piston. Could you familiarise me with a few terms such as TTAF, SMOH, etc?
Thank You Much.

Answer
Your best source for this type of information is Trade-A-Plane or some of the other publications that list aircraft for sale.  They have a key that lists the most common abbreviations used in ads.  Specifically, the ones you mentioned stand for Total Time Airframe and Since Major Overhaul.  You'll also see STOH (Since Top Overhaul), SPOH (Since Prop Overhaul, and the more vague SOH (Since some unspecified Overhaul).  On the internet, try   http://www.myplane.com/help/abbreviations.asp for a partial listing.  I searched Google for "aircraft abbreviations" and found several sources for this information.  Good luck with your search, and happy flying!

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Jeff Davis

Expertise

I can answer questions about general aviation, learning to fly, how to get started, and how to buy an airplane. Area of specialty is aerobatic flying. I do not have any expertise in flight training opportunities for students outside the USA, and I am not qualified to offer advice on becoming an airline pilot.

Experience

I am no longer active in aerobatic flying, but was formerly a professional airshow performer and aerobatic flight instructor, with extensive experience in Decathlon and Pitts aircraft and light experience in other types. I also competed in IAC sanctioned competition through the Advanced level.

Organizations
No longer active, past member of Experimental Aircraft Association, International Aerobatic Club, International Council of Air Shows, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Publications
World Airshow News

Education/Credentials
Commercial and instrument rated, certificated flight instructor since 1986

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