Airworthiness Requirements : B - Aircraft Maintenance Requirements Flashcards
What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft? Include inspections for IFR.
a. Annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months (14 CFR §91.409)
b. Airworthiness directives and life-limited parts complied with, as required (14 CFR §91.403, §91.417)
c. VOR equipment check every 30 days (for IFR ops)
(14 CFR §91.171)
d. 100-hour inspection, if used for hire or flight instruction in aircraft CFI provides (14 CFR §91.409)
e. Altimeter, altitude reporting equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected (for IFR ops) every 24 calendar months (14 CFR §91.411)
f. Transponder tests and inspections, every 24 calendar months (14 CFR §91.413)
g. Emergency locator transmitter, operation and battery condition inspected
every 12 calendar months (14 CFR §91.207)
(14 CFR 91.409, 91.171, 91.411, 91.413, 91.207)
What is an “annual” inspection and which aircraft are required to have annual inspections?
An annual inspection is a complete inspection of an aircraft and engine, required by the regulations and is required to be accomplished every 12 calendar months on all certificated aircraft.
(FAA-H-8083-25)
What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections?
a. All aircraft under 12,500 pounds (except turbojet/turbopropeller-powered multi-engine airplanes and turbine powered rotorcraft), used to carry passengers for hire.
b. Aircraft used for flight instruction for hire, when provided by the person giving the flight instruction.
(FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR 91.409)
If an aircraft is operated for hire, is it required to have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection? (14 CFR 91.409)
Yes, if an aircraft is operated for hire it must have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection when due.
What is the difference between an annual inspection and a 100-hour inspection?
The main difference is who is allowed to perform these inspections. Only an A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization can perform an annual inspection. 100-hour inspections may be performed by any A&P mechanic (no IA required).
(14 CFR Part 43)
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?
The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded by not more than 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be done. The excess time used to reach a place where the inspection can be done must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.
(14 CFR 91.409)
If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed?
An aircraft overdue for an annual inspection may be operated under a Special Flight Permit issued by the FAA for the purpose of flying the aircraft to a location where the annual inspection can be performed. However, all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.
(FAA-H-8083-25)
What are “Special Flight Permits,” and when are they necessary?
A Special Flight Permit may be issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight.
a. Flying an aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage.
b. Delivering or exporting an aircraft.
c. Production flight testing new-production aircraft.
d. Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger.
e. Conducting customer demonstration flights in new-production aircraft that have satisfactorily completed production flight tests.
(14 CFR 91.213, 14 CFR 21.197)
How are “Special Flight Permits” obtained?
If a special flight permit is needed, assistance and the necessary forms may be obtained from the local FSDO or Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).
(FAA-H-8083-25)
After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired, who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition?
The pilot-in-command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. The pilot-in-command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy, mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.
(14 CFR 91.7)
What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight?
No person may operate or carry passengers in any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration that may have appreciably changed its flight characteristics or substantially affected its operation in flight until an appropriately-rated pilot with at least a private pilot certificate;
a. Flies the aircraft;
b. Makes an operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and
c. Logs the flight in the aircraft records.
(14 CFR 91.407)
Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard?
Yes, under specific conditions. Part 91 describes acceptable methods for the operation of an aircraft with certain inoperative instruments and equipment that are not essential for safe flight—they are:
a. Operation of an aircraft with a Minimum Equipment List (MEL), as authorized by 14 CFR §91.213(a); or
b. Operation of an aircraft without a MEL under 14 CFR §91.213(d)
(14 CFR 91.213)
What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR §91.213(d)?
When inoperative equipment is found during preflight or prior to departure, the decision should be to cancel the flight, obtain maintenance prior to flight, or to defer the item or equipment. Maintenance deferrals are not used for in-flight discrepancies. The manufacturer’s AFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations.
(FAA-H-8083-25)
During the preflight inspection in an aircraft that doesn’t have a MEL, you notice that an instrument or equipment item is inoperative. Describe how you will determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight.
a. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment part of the VFR-day type certification?
b. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment listed as “Required” on the aircraft’s equipment list or “Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL)” for the type of flight operation being conducted?
c. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required by 14 CFR §91.205, §91.207 or any other rule of Part 91 for the specific kind of flight operation being conducted? (For example, VFR, IFR, day, night.)
d. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required to be operational by an AD?
If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, the aircraft is not airworthy and maintenance is required before I can fly.
(14 CFR 91.213(d), FAA-H-8083-25)
What are Minimum Equipment Lists?
The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a precise listing of instruments, equipment and procedures that allows an aircraft to be operated under specific conditions with inoperative equipment.
(FAA-H-8083-25)
