Inspection fundamentalsRequired aircraft inspection The federal aviation Regulation (FAR) requires the inspection of all civil aircrafts at specific intervals, to assure the aircraft’s 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. gas bags. (2) Seats and safety belts—for poor condition and apparent defects. and unsatisfactory operation. marking. remove or open all necessary inspection plates.Once adopted. and (where practicable) improper operation. apparent and obvious defects. (c) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable) the following components of the cabin and cockpit group: (1) Generally—for uncleanliness and loose equipment that might foul the controls. distortion. (6) Batteries—for improper installation and improper charge. apparent defects. (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 skin—for deterioration. 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. fairing. and cowling. and defective or insecure attachment of fittings. (5) Flight and engine controls—for improper installation and improper operation. other evidence of failure. and insecurity of attachment. access doors. before that inspection. (4) Instruments—for poor condition. He shall thoroughly clean the aircraft and aircraft engine. and related parts—for poor condition. 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 . ballast tanks. mounting. Tail Number N_____________________ (3) (a) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall. (2) Systems and components—for improper installation. (7) (d) All systems—for improper installation. (3) Windows and windshields—for deterioration and breakage. poor general condition. you should not deviate from the procedure. Envelope. fuel. and sources of such leaks. or hydraulic leaks.(1) Engine section—for visual evidence of excessive oil. . poor general condition. improper condition and looseness. poor general condition. If there is weak cylinder compression. and insecure attachment. Exhaust stacks—for cracks. All systems—for improper installation. defects. defects. Accessories—for apparent defects in security of mounting.Appendix D to Part 43—Scope 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 nuts—for improper torquing and obvious defects. improper condition and looseness. defects. Lines. improper travel. and looseness of engine to mount. hoses. hoses. and clamps—for leaks. Exhaust stacks—for cracks. Internal engine—for cylinder compression and for metal particles or foreign matter on screens and sump drain plugs. and clamps—for leaks. . looseness of mounting. for improper internal condition and improper internal tolerances. Accessories—for apparent defects in security of mounting. defects. and improper safetying. and improper attachment. All systems—for improper installation. Lines. Engine mount—for cracks. and insecure attachment. Engine controls—for defects. and improper attachment. Flexible vibration dampeners—for poor condition and deterioration. . and insecurity of attachment. "X" Ok / Not Done OK Description . defects. distortion. and defects. (6) Electrical system—for chafing and improper operation of switches. evidence of failure. (8) Tires—for wear and cuts. and distortion. (10) Floats and skis—for insecure attachment and obvious or apparent defects. (4) Retracting and locking mechanism—for improper operation. and members—for undue or excessive wear fatigue. insecure attachment. and condition of bearings. (9) Brakes—for improper adjustment. (h) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable) the following components of the propeller group: Propeller assembly—for cracks. (3) Linkages. nicks. fabric or skin deterioration. (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. (7) Wheels—for cracks. improper component installation. distortion. (e) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable) the following components of the landing gear group: (1) All units—for poor condition and insecurity of attachment. (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. evidence of failure. (2) Shock absorbing devices—for improper oleo fluid level. and improper component operation.Appendix D to Part 43—Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft) To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections Tail Number N_____________________ (11) Cowling—for cracks. trusses. fabric or skin deterioration. binds. and oil leakage. (5) Hydraulic lines—for leakage. (3) Bonding and shielding—for improper installation and poor condition. (4) Antenna including trailing antenna—for poor condition.(2) Bolts—for improper torquing and lack of safetying. and obvious defects. . (4) Control mechanisms—for improper operation. (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 equipment—for improper installation and insecure mounting. and restricted travel. and improper operation. insecure mounting. insecure mounting. insecure mounting. (3) Anti-icing devices—for improper operations and obvious defects. (2) Wiring and conduits—for improper routing. Appendix D to Part 43—Scope 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. Grab the left and right stabilizer and try to move it up. it should not move other than normal movement. down and left to right. 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. it should be firmly attached to the fuselage and rudder cables. You can do the same for the vertical fin. Verify that the beacon is operating and that the VOR antenna is firmly attached. Verify that fairings are attached properly with all screws in place. take a look at the underside. Marker and or Transponder/DME antenna) . they have left the airplane without telling the PIC. If you have an elevator which is constructed out of two halves. Walk back towards the cabin along the fuselage. make sure they are still firmly attached. take a good look at rudder stops and rudder cables. check to see if all antenna's are in place (COM. no movement at the bolts is allowed. The leading edges of the stabilizer are sometimes damaged by stones thrown up by the mail wheels. Grab them both and move them in opposite direction.Check the trim tab and rudder hinges for any flutter (less is better). sometimes. Check this regularly.