Guide to Aircraft Inspections
- Annual Inspection
- 100-Hour Inspection
- Progressive Inspections
- Items Checked During Inspections
- Altimeter
- Transponders
- Emergency Locater Transmitter
- Prepurchase Inspection
Importance to Members
In order to provide a reasonable assurance that aircraft are functioning properly, the FAA requires a series of aircraft inspections; somewhat similar to the many currency requirements for airman. This report outlines the basic inspection requirements for aircraft.
Overview
Inspection requirements differ with the various uses of aircraft. For example, aircraft being used for compensation or hire must have a thorough inspection every one-hundred hours. Most aircraft, including those used for compensation or hire are required to have a complete inspection every year (see annual inspection). This subject report will discuss each kind of inspection, and explain when each should be done, which aircraft it applies to, and what it should involve.
Technical Information
Annual Inspection (FAR 91.409)
Most general aviation aircraft require an annual inspection. Excluded are aircraft that:
- Use an approved progressive inspection plan;
- Carry a special flight permit;
- Carry a current experimental certificate; or
- Carry a provisional airworthiness certificate.
The annual must be completed and properly endorsed by a mechanic with an inspection authorization (IA) within the preceding 12 calendar months. For example, if the aircraft's annual is endorsed on March 15, 2012, the next annual is due before April 1, 2013; otherwise the aircraft may not be flown without authorization (such as with a ferry permit).
A ferry permit is required to fly an aircraft that's out of annual, such as in the case of flying to another airport for the inspection. Contact your local FSDO for instructions on applying for a ferry permit.
100-Hour Inspection (FAR 91.409)
The 100-hour inspection is required for aircraft:
- That carry any person (other than a crew member) for hire; or
- That are provided by any person giving flight instruction for hire.
The phrase "for hire" refers to the person, not the aircraft. An FAR Part 91 example of a person carried for hire is an aerial photography flight.
If a flight instructor provides an aircraft, or any operation that supplies both flight instruction and an aircraft, that aircraft is subject to the 100-hour inspection. An aircraft provided by the (student) pilot, who is receiving instruction, is not subject to the 100-hour inspection.
The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by 10 hours for the purposes of flying to a place where the inspection can be done. The excess time must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.
Progressive Inspections (FAR 91.409)
To minimize maintenance downtime, owners may opt for a progressive inspection plan. Progressive inspections benefit owners whose aircraft experience high usage such as FBOs, flight schools, and corporate flight departments.
Unlike an annual or 100-hour inspection, a progressive inspection allows for more frequent but shorter inspection phases, as long as all items required for the annual and 100-hour are inspected within the required time.
Example: Flight schools with aircraft that must comply with the 100-hour inspection normally use four inspection phases at 25-hour intervals. The inspection cycle is completed when the last inspection is endorsed.
The authority to use a progressive inspection plan is non-transferable. Once the aircraft is sold, an annual (or if applicable, a 100-hour) inspection must be endorsed within 12 calendar months (or 100 hours) of the last complete cycle.
Most airframe manufacturers will provide a boilerplate progressive maintenance plan.
Items Checked During Inspections (FAR 43)
FAR 43, Appendix D, Scope and Detail of Items To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections, contains a list of general items to be checked during inspections.
Altimeter (FAR 91.411)
The aircraft's static system, altimeter, and automatic altitude-reporting (Mode C) system must have been inspected and tested in the preceding 24 calendar months before flying IFR in controlled airspace. FAR 43 Appendix E, Altimeter System Test and Inspection, lists the items that must be checked.
Transponders (FAR 91.413)
The transponder must be inspected every 24 calendar months. FAR 43 Appendix F, ATC Transponder Tests and Inspections, lists the items that must be checked. To use a transponder, it must be inspected every 24 calendar months. Additionally, the installation of or modification to a transponder must be inspected for data errors as well.
Emergency Locater Transmitter (FAR 91.207)
Installed ELT's must be inspected within 12 calendar months after the last inspection for proper installation, battery corrosion, operation of the controls/crash sensor, and sufficient signal strength. While this check is not necessarily required to be accomplished during the annual inspection, it would be a convenient time to do it.
The Prepurchase inspection is a pilot defined inspection typically done on an aircraft before purchase. The inspection can be a thorough as an annual and as measly as a glance over the aircraft. The purpose is to locate any “unknown” problems with the aircraft before buying it, and to have a mechanics opinion on the overall quality of the plane.
From the AOPA Archives
Cessna Adds Inspections for Aging Aircraft
AOPA Online, December, 2011
[Turbine] Aircraft Inspections: You have choices
AOPA Pilot, January, 2011
Pilot Counsel: FAA paperwork requirements
AOPA Pilot, June 2004
Pilot Counsel: Insurance and airworthiness
AOPA Pilot, February 2004
Airframe and Powerplant: Preventive Maintenance Primer
AOPA Pilot, October 2001
Pilot Counsel: Aircraft Inspection and the Renter Pilot
AOPA Pilot, September 2000
Airframe and Powerplant: Torque Time
AOPA Pilot, September 2000
Airframe and Powerplant: Annual Preparations
AOPA Pilot, September 1999
Pilotage: Shopping Around
AOPA Pilot, January 1998
Commentary: Continuing Ed.
Details, Details
AOPA Flight Training, January 1997
Pilotage: Annual checkup
AOPA Pilot, September 1995