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Inspection fundamentals

Required aircraft inspection

The federal aviation Regulation (FAR) requires the inspection of all civil
aircrafts at specific intervals, to assure the aircrafts condition is equal to
the original or altered condition with regard to aerodynamic function,
structural strength and resistance to vibration.

Inspection intervals are established based on the mission of the aircraft, some
aircrafts must be inspected each 100 hours of time, while others could be

inspected every 12 calendar months.


The 1000 hour and 12 months inspection requires complete inspection of the

aircraft at the same time.


Inspection requirements for aircrafts are established in FAR 91.
Rules governing the maintenance, preventive maintenance, alteration are
stated in FAR 43.

Inspection

Inspection is the critical visual examining, testing, measuring, and functional checking required to determine
the airworthiness of the items being inspected.

Note:
Certificated mechanic, or the manufacturer must be utilized for all required inspections and whenever any
inspection reveals a questionable condition.

Scope of Inspections.

Walk around
Detailed inspection involving complete disassembly and the use of complex inspection
aids.

The Habit of Inspection.

The inspection of your aircraft should become a habit. To establish the habit, begin by performing preflight
inspections and work up to detailed inspections.

1.

USE the MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS and this.

2.

Develop a system of inspection and use.an inspection checklist that covers the
complete aircraft.

Once adopted, you should not deviate from the procedure. After completing a few
inspections you will be surprised at how familiar you will be with your aircraft.

Example for check list that covers the complete aircraft (Cessna )

Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft) To Be Included in
Annual and 100-Hour Inspections.

Tail Number N_____________________

(3)

(a)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall, before that


inspection, remove or open all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairing,
and cowling. He shall thoroughly clean the aircraft and aircraft engine.

(b)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) the following components of the fuselage and hull group:
(1)

Fabric and skinfor deterioration, distortion, other evidence of failure, and


defective or insecure attachment of fittings.

(2)

Systems and componentsfor improper installation, apparent defects, and


unsatisfactory operation.

Envelope, gas bags, ballast tanks, and related partsfor poor condition.

(c)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) the following components of the cabin and cockpit group:

(1)

Generallyfor uncleanliness and loose equipment that might foul the controls.

(2)

Seats and safety beltsfor poor condition and apparent defects.

(3)

Windows and windshieldsfor deterioration and breakage.

(4)

Instrumentsfor poor condition, mounting, marking, and (where practicable)


improper operation.

(5)

Flight and engine controlsfor improper installation and improper operation.

(6)

Batteriesfor improper installation and improper charge.

(7)

(d)

All systemsfor improper installation, poor general condition, apparent and


obvious defects, and insecurity of attachment.

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) components of the engine and nacelle group as follows:

"X"

Ok / Not

Done

OK

Description

(1)

Engine sectionfor visual evidence of excessive oil, fuel, or hydraulic leaks, and
sources of such leaks.

Appendix D to Part 43Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft)

To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections

Tail Number N_____________________

"X"

Ok / Not

Done

OK

Description

Studs and nutsfor improper torquing and obvious defects.

Internal enginefor cylinder compression and for metal particles or foreign matter on screens and sump drain plugs. If there is weak cylinder
compression, for improper internal condition and improper internal tolerances.

Engine mountfor cracks, looseness of mounting, and looseness of engine to mount.

Flexible vibration dampenersfor poor condition and deterioration.

Engine controlsfor defects, improper travel, and improper safetying.

Lines, hoses, and clampsfor leaks, improper condition and looseness.

Exhaust stacksfor cracks, defects, and improper attachment.

Accessoriesfor apparent defects in security of mounting.

All systemsfor improper installation, poor general condition, defects, and insecure attachment.
Lines, hoses, and clampsfor leaks, improper condition and looseness.

Exhaust stacksfor cracks, defects, and improper attachment.

Accessoriesfor apparent defects in security of mounting.

All systemsfor improper installation, poor general condition, defects, and insecure attachment.

Appendix D to Part 43Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft)

To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections

Tail Number N_____________________


(11) Cowlingfor cracks, and defects.

(e)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) the following components of the landing gear group:

(1)

All unitsfor poor condition and insecurity of attachment.

(2)

Shock absorbing devicesfor improper oleo fluid level.

(3)

Linkages, trusses, and membersfor undue or excessive wear fatigue, and distortion.

(4)

Retracting and locking mechanismfor improper operation.

(5)

Hydraulic linesfor leakage.

(6)

Electrical systemfor chafing and improper operation of switches.

(7)

Wheelsfor cracks, defects, and condition of bearings.

(8)

Tiresfor wear and cuts.

(9)

Brakesfor improper adjustment.

(10) Floats and skisfor insecure attachment and obvious or apparent defects.

(1)

(f)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) all components of the wing and center section assembly for poor general
condition, fabric or skin deterioration, distortion, evidence of failure, and insecurity of
attachment.

(g)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) all components and systems that make up the complete empennage
assembly for poor general condition, fabric or skin deterioration, distortion, evidence of
failure, insecure attachment, improper component installation, and improper component
operation.

(h)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) the following components of the propeller group:

Propeller assemblyfor cracks, nicks, binds, and oil leakage.

"X"

Ok / Not

Done

OK

Description

(2)

Boltsfor improper torquing and lack of safetying.

(3)

Anti-icing devicesfor improper operations and obvious defects.

(4)

Control mechanismsfor improper operation, insecure mounting, and restricted travel.

(i)

Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where


applicable) the following components of the radio group:

(1)

Radio and electronic equipmentfor improper installation and insecure mounting.

(2)

Wiring and conduitsfor improper routing, insecure mounting, and obvious defects.

(3)

Bonding and shieldingfor improper installation and poor condition.

(4)

Antenna including trailing antennafor poor condition, insecure mounting, and


improper operation.

Appendix D to Part 43Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft)

To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections

Tail Number N_____________________


(j) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable)
each installed miscellaneous item that is not otherwise covered by this listing for improper
installation and improper operation

"X"

Ok / Not

Done

OK

Description

Empennage

Remove the gust lock and tail tiedown if any. Take a good look at the underside of the stabilizer
and elevator. Make sure to inspect the hinges for any extra movement or unusual play. Grab the
left and right stabilizer and try to move it up, down and left to right, it should not move other than
normal movement. You can do the same for the vertical fin, it should be firmly
attached to the fuselage and rudder cables.

Check the trim tab and rudder hinges for any flutter (less is better), take a good look at rudder
stops and rudder cables. Verify that fairings are attached properly with all screws in place,
sometimes, they have left the airplane without telling the PIC.

If you have an elevator which is constructed out of two halves, make sure they are still firmly
attached. Grab them both and move them in opposite direction, no movement at the bolts is
allowed. Check this regularly.

Verify that the beacon is operating and that the VOR antenna is firmly attached. The leading
edges of the stabilizer are sometimes damaged by stones thrown up by the mail wheels. Walk
back towards the cabin along the fuselage, take a look at the underside, check to see if all
antenna's are in place (COM, Marker and or Transponder/DME antenna)

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