As Twin Cities aircraft maintenance professionals, we know the importance of keeping your plane in tip-top shape so that it’s safe to fly. No matter what type of pilot you are, every plane owner needs to have a smart, friendly and competent aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) on their side. And, with spring right around the corner, it’s about time that you refresh your memory on common aircraft maintenance inspections that you’ll likely need to deal with not too far down the road. So, we thought it’d be relevant to discuss some talking points that you can take to your mechanic when it comes time for your private plane’s checkup.
With that said, let’s take a look at some common maintenance inspections to ask your mechanic about this spring – here we go!
Maintenance Checks For A Private Airplane
First, as an airplane owner, you’re responsible for knowing about the frequent maintenance requirements outlined by the FAA to keep yourself and others safe. Aircraft maintenance requirements vary based on manufacturer, type, age and size, but you can generally expect regularly scheduled maintenance inspections across a 12-month calendar.
Aircraft have set checks at specific intervals, with three different types of inspections, an annual inspection, 100-hour inspection and/or progressive inspection. An aircraft’s maintenance schedule revolves around the inspection standards set in Title 14, Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). The timeline of when these inspections take place is something you should discuss with your mechanic.
Line Maintenance Check (Pre And Post Flight)
Although this isn’t an official category of checks issued by the FAA, it’s still good practice to do an informal inspection yourself before and after each flight. Here, you can inspect things like instrument operation, wheel pressure, fluid levels, brakes and filters. If anything feels wrong or sounds off, bring in a good airplane mechanic to provide a professional assessment.
Annual Inspection
Every year, your plane will need to undergo a comprehensive inspection, unless you have a special permit, carry a provisional airworthiness certification or are participating in a progressive inspection plan instead. The annual inspection normally takes about one to three days to complete and will run about $1,700 to $3,000 dollars. With this, your mechanic determines the condition of the aircraft and the maintenance required to return the aircraft to an airworthy condition.
Spring may be the perfect time to get this done, as you’re then set up for flying season – make sure everything is in order with this spring maintenance checklist before you take off.
100-Hour Inspection
This inspection takes place after every 100 hours of flight time. This is an important one for your ability to fly when you want, since FAR 91.409 says that you may not fly a plane that carries passengers for hire, other than crew members without it. 100-hour inspections usually take about three days or longer for a mechanic to complete, in which they will operate the plane for a small distance, do a complete run-through of things like the engine, fuel system and instruments, and even the smallest bolts, nuts, and hoses are looked at. Your mechanic notes any repairs that will require your airplane to stay grounded.
If your plane is ready for its 100-hour inspection, bring it to the Twin Cities’ best maintenance crew and we can help get you back in the sky.
Progressive Inspection
According to the FAA handbook, the frequency of progressive inspections happens throughout the 12 calendar months and will match the manufacturer’s recommendations, field service experience and the kind of operation in which the aircraft is engaged. With a progressive maintenance schedule, your plane undergoes various checks at fixed intervals throughout the year. And, in order for your plane to qualify for this type of inspection schedule, you will need to apply to the Flight Standards District Office with a maintenance plan that’s been agreed upon by you and your mechanic.
With aircraft maintenance being of utmost importance, these inspections are best for high-use aircraft, allowing owners to drastically reduce downtime by splitting up 100-hour checks in intervals.
Get Ready For Spring Flying!
Now that you know some common types of inspections for private airplanes, you can walk into the mechanic’s shop with confidence. Remember to ask about your annual inspection, 100-hour inspection and the possibility of setting up a progressive inspection system and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying flying season – have fun!
Are you ready to start your airplane inspection?
Get in touch with the professional team of mechanics at Inflight Aircraft Maintenance, and take care of your airplane’s issues today. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, we’re known for getting the job done in a timely, cost-effective, and customer-focused manner. We’ll work with you to solve every problem, no matter how large or seemingly minuscule. From 100-hour inspection to spring battery inspections to fuel system repairs and everything in between, we can get your aircraft back in tip-top shape.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a beginner, we’ll make sure that your plane is in the best shape possible for a fair price – if you’re interested in learning more about aircraft maintenance services, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.