[Fast Moving Angel]

Can't speak to planes your uncle flew, but I've found rentals to be better maintained than some privately-owned or multi-owner planes. Reason being that inspection and overhaul times are reached more quickly for highly-utilized rental planes, as inpections are triggered by engine time and/or calendar day requirements. Though subject to greater use, rental planes are also inspected more often than lesser-used aircraft.

Agreed -- I found the same thing with rented planes, except I thought they maintained them "by the book" because they didn't want to be liable for damages in the event there was an incident due to lack of maintenance.

[ConservativeWarrior]

Agreed -- I found the same thing with rented planes, except I thought they maintained them "by the book" because they didn't want to be liable for damages in the event there was an incident due to lack of maintenance.

That's true. One lawsuit could put their business under.

Another consideration is that many rental planes are associated with flight schools. When students take their checkride, they are quizzed on the aircraft's maintenance history and records. Candidates must demostrate to the examiner that the plane has been properly maintained, all airworthiness directives met, etc...