Aircraft Inspections

Overview

In order to verify that an aircraft is kept in an airworthy condition, the FAA mandates that aircraft get inspected on a regular basis. The type of inspection(s) required for a given flight can change based upon the expected flight rules and type of operation being conducted. For the proposed flight to be safe and legal, those various inspections must have occured within a given time frame prior to the flight - each time frame dependent on the type of inspection. These inspections must be verified complete by reviewing the aircraft's logbooks.

Memory Aids

AAV1ATES
InspectionNotesReference
AAirworthiness DirectivesAll must be complied with14 CFR § 39.7 What is the legal effect of failing to comply with an airworthiness directive?
AAnnual InspectionRequired within the previous 12 calendar months14 CFR § 91.409 Inspections.
V VOR Receiver CheckRequired within the previous 30 days14 CFR § 91.171 VOR equipment check for IFR operations.
Only required for IFR
1 100-Hour InspectionRequired within the previous 100 hours of flight time14 CFR § 91.409 Inspections.
Required for flight for hire only
May be replaced by an Annual Inspection
A Altimeter InspectionRequired within the previous 24 calendar months14 CFR § 91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections.
Only required for IFR
T Transponder InspectionRequired within the previous 24 calendar month14 CFR § 91.413 ATC transponder tests and inspections.
Required whenever regulations mandate transponder use
EELT InspectionRequired within the previous 12 calendar months14 CFR § 91.207 Emergency locator transmitters.
S Static System InspectionRequired within the previous 24 calendar months14 CFR § 91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections.
Only required for IFR

Discussion

comments powered by Disqus