Every aircraft is required to have an annual inspection to keep its airworthiness status current. During this inspection, IAs and A&P mechanics will dig through inspection panels, inspect from nose to tail, and ensure the aircraft is safe to return back to the air. During the inspection, there will also be some service items completed to ensure the safety and longevity of the aircraft as well.
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For the most updated information and forms visit the Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov) website.
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FAR ยง 91.409 states that, under no circumstances may an airplane operate unless it has had an annual inspection within the preceding 12 months. Those participating in Part 135 and/or Part 141 operations are not only required to have an annual inspection done but also require inspections every 100 hours to continue operating for hire. However, there are only a few differences between 100 hour inspections and annual inspections. IAs are the only ones allowed to sign off on the annual inspection, while A&P mechanics can sign off on 100 hour inspections. Something else different is that the annual inspection is based on a calendar while the 100 hour inspection is based on a clock. You can go a whole year and only fly for five hours but will still be required to get your annual inspection whereas the 100 hour is done every 100 hours. Also, the 100 hour inspection pertains to the airframe and powerplant while the annual inspection is primarily an airframe inspection. More often than not, however, aircraft owners will choose to have their powerplant inspected during their annual rather than wait for the true 100 hours.
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During these inspections, certified mechanics will go through and thoroughly inspect everything from the spinner to the tail beacon. Inspection panels, upper and lower cowlings, and nose wheel pants are all carefully pulled off for easier inspection of the parts behind them. Some of the specifics that mechanics inspect are:
- Landing gear struts and links
- Engine compressions
- Control Surfaces
- Cables running through the fuselage
The IA inspecting during an annual inspection will be very meticulous as they want to give back a safe aircraft for the owner and their passengers. This includes checking over rivets, nuts, turnbuckles, and more. This is a very tedious process and can take multiple days at times. Due to high demand, most mechanic shops will get the annual inspection done promptly as they have other aircraft awaiting the same process. This means several mechanics can work on a single plane at a time.
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When several mechanics are working together they will oftentimes split the plane up into sections. One mechanic will get the powerplant and avionics. A second mechanic may get the tail and right wing, leaving the left wing and belly for a third mechanic to tackle. To keep this in an orderly fashion, mechanics often learn how to work around one another and compile a checklist that helps everyone to stay out of each other’s way while still getting everything done promptly. Although developing a good rhythm is helpful, shops will often keep the sections rotating so the mechanics do not fall into a habit. This helps to ensure nothing is ever forgotten as they go over their checklist. The inspector (IA), however, is the one who is required to do the actual inspection for the annual inspection.
During the annual inspection, some service items are offered to the owners to be done as well. These include oil changes, oil filters, and air filter replacements. Sometimes even air tubes and/or tires will be replaced depending on the wear and tread on the items. All of these are in the best efforts to keep your engine and aircraft in top condition. Having low tread could result in your aircraft popping the tire during takeoff or landing due to the increase in speed. If the tire pops, this could cause your aircraft to veer off the runway and cause significant damage to the fairings on a fixed-gear plane or the panels on retractable-gear aircraft.
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Annual inspections are a very crucial part of aircraft ownership. Not only does it help to keep you legal within FAA regulations as far as maintaining airworthiness and keeping ADs current, but it also helps to keep you safe. Without a proper inspection from a licensed mechanic, issues could arise during flight and cause the plane to need to be grounded in an emergency. Risking your family and your own life is not worth saving a few dollars. Find a reputable aircraft maintenance shop, such as CXO MX, LLC to do your annual inspection.
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