Aircraft Maintenance Requirements (part 1)

Question 1

What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft? Include inspections for IFR. (14 CFR 91.409, 91.171, 91.411, 91.413, 91.207)

Answer 1

1. A.A.V.1.A.T.E.S.
2. A… Airworthiness directives complied with (as required)
3. A… Annual inspection (every 12 months)
4. V… VOR equipment check (every 30 days)
5. 1… 100-hour inspection, if used for hire or flight instruction (every 100 hours)
6. A… Altimeter and altitude reporting equipment tested and inspected (every 24 months)
7. T… Transponder tested and inspected (every 24 months)
8. E… ELT, operation and battery condition inspected (every 12 months)
9. S… Static pressure systems tested and inspected (every 24 months)

Question 2

What is an “annual” inspection and who can preform annual inspections? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 2

1. A complete inspection of an aircraft and engine
2. Only an A&P technician holding an Inspection Authorization can conduct an annual inspection

Question 3

What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections? (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR 91.409)

Answer 3

1. Aircraft under 12,500 pounds, used to carry passengers for hire (except turbojet/turbopropeller-powered multi-engine airplanes)
2. Aircraft used for flight instruction for hire (when provided by the person giving the flight instruction)

Question 4

What is the difference between an annual inspection and a 100-hour inspection? (14 CFR Part 43)

Answer 4

1. Only an A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization can perform an annual inspection
2. 100-hour inspections may be performed by any A&P mechanic (no IA required)

Question 5

If an aircraft has been on a schedule of inspection every 100 hours, under what condition may it continue to operate beyond the 100 hours without a new inspection? (14 CFR 91.409)

Answer 5

1. The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded by no more than 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be completed
2. The time over 100 hours must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service

Question 6

If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 6

1. An aircraft may be operated under a Special Flight Permit for the purpose of flying to a location where the annual inspection can be performed
2. All ADs that are due must be completed before the flight

Question 7

What are “Special Flight Permits,” and when are they necessary? (14 CFR 91.213, 14 CFR 21.197)

Answer 7

1. A Special Flight Permit may be issued when an aircraft doesn’t meet applicable airworthiness requirements, but is capable of safe flight. These permits are typically issued for the following purposes:
2. Flying an aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations or maintenance can be completed
3. Flying an aircraft to a point of storage
4. Delivering or exporting an aircraft
5. Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger
6. Production flight testing new-production aircraft
7. Demonstration flights to a potential buyer, in new-production aircraft that have satisfactorily completed production flight tests

Question 8

How are “Special Flight Permits” obtained? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 8

1. Assistance and the necessary forms may be obtained from the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR)

Question 9

After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired, who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition? (14 CFR 91.7)

Answer 9

1. The pilot-in-command is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight
2. The pilot-in-command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy, mechanical, or electrical issues occur

Question 10

What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight? (14 CFR 91.407)

Answer 10

1. Before passengers may be carried or a flight operation may be conducted, a pilot with at least a private pilot certificate must test fly the aircraft; making an operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and
2. Log the flight in the aircraft records

Question 11

Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard? (14 CFR 91.213)

Answer 11

1. As long as the aircraft is in compliance with part 91.213 which describes acceptable methods for the operation of an aircraft with certain inoperative instruments