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Aircraft inspections play a critical role in ensuring flight safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining aircraft operational readiness. Proper implementation of inspections helps prevent mechanical failures, reduce unexpected downtime, and extend the lifespan of aircraft assets.
This guide to aircraft inspections will explore the different types of inspections performed in the aviation industry, from routine inspections to scheduled maintenance, and provide a checklist so that maintenance personnel can perform checks comprehensively.
Aircraft inspections are systematic examinations of an aircraft's components, systems, and structures to determine its airworthiness. These evaluations involve visual checks, functional tests, and sometimes non-destructive testing to identify wear, damage, or malfunction. The objective is to verify that the aircraft meets all applicable airworthiness directives, regulations, and manufacturer specifications.
Conducting aircraft inspections serves multiple purposes that contribute to the overall integrity and longevity of aircraft. It helps:
The primary purpose of aircraft inspections is to confirm the safety of flight. By identifying potential issues before they escalate, inspections help prevent mechanical failures that could compromise the aircraft's operation and endanger lives. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of aviation safety.
Aviation authorities worldwide mandate specific inspection schedules and procedures. Adhering to these regulations is a legal requirement for aircraft operators. Inspections provide documented proof of compliance, avoiding penalties and operational restrictions. Failure to comply can lead to the grounding of aircraft or the revocation of operating certificates.
Regular inspections allow for the early detection of minor issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to major malfunctions and unexpected grounding of the aircraft. Addressing these small problems during scheduled maintenance periods reduces the occurrence of unforeseen breakdowns, which interrupt flight schedules and incur unscheduled repair costs.
Proper maintenance, identified through inspections, helps preserve the condition of the aircraft's components and structure. Addressing wear and tear promptly prevents accelerated deterioration. This practice extends the useful life of the aircraft, protecting the operator's investment and delaying the need for premature replacement.
Aircraft maintenance inspections are structured to cover all aspects of an aircraft's condition, ranging from superficial checks to in-depth examinations. The main types of inspections include:
The pre-flight inspection is a fundamental check performed by the pilot before every flight. This involves a visual examination of the aircraft's exterior and interior to confirm its readiness for flight. The pilot inspects critical components such as the wings, fuselage, tail, landing gear, propellers or jet intakes, and control surfaces for any visible damage, fluid leaks, or anomalies.
This check also includes confirming fuel and oil levels, tire pressure, and the functionality of essential cockpit instruments. It is a quick but important assessment of the aircraft's immediate airworthiness.
Daily inspections, often called transit checks, are performed at the start of each day's flying operations or between flights, particularly when the aircraft is on a tight schedule or operating multiple legs.
These inspections are more comprehensive than a pre-flight check but less detailed than periodic checks. They focus on items prone to wear or degradation from regular use, such as tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels, and verify that the aircraft remains in safe and operational condition after a period of activity or overnight parking.
The 100-hour inspection is a recurring inspection required for aircraft used for hire or flight instruction. Aircraft used strictly for private operations are not subject to this requirement but may still undergo similar inspections voluntarily. It is a thorough examination of the aircraft's airframe, powerplant, propellers, and accessories.
This inspection is similar in scope to an annual inspection but is performed every 100 hours of flight time. It involves checking for wear, corrosion, cracks, and proper system operation, which helps identify potential issues before they become serious, given the more intensive usage of aircraft for commercial or instructional purposes.
The annual inspection is a mandatory yearly examination for all aircraft, regardless of usage. It is the most comprehensive inspection type, involving a complete disassembly of certain components and a thorough scrutiny of the entire aircraft.
Every part of the aircraft, including the engine, propeller, airframe, landing gear, control surfaces, and avionics, is inspected for wear, corrosion, damage, and compliance with manufacturer specifications and airworthiness directives. An A&P mechanic with inspection authorization (IA) must perform and sign off on this inspection.
Progressive inspections are an alternative to annual and 100-hour inspections, particularly useful for operators with high aircraft utilization. Instead of performing a single, extensive inspection at fixed intervals, the progressive inspection breaks down the annual inspection into smaller, more frequent checks.
This allows for parts of the aircraft to be inspected incrementally, increasing uptime and keeping the aircraft in continuous operation. This method requires a detailed inspection schedule and a system to track which parts have been inspected and when.
Phase inspections are common for larger aircraft operated under Part 121 (air carriers) and Part 135 (commuter and on-demand operations) of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
These inspections divide the extensive maintenance requirements into a series of smaller, phased checks that occur at regular intervals (e.g., every few hundred flight hours). This approach allows for a continuous maintenance program that minimizes grounding time.
Periodic inspections refer to scheduled maintenance checks at fixed time intervals (e.g., every three months, six months) or after a certain number of flight cycles or landings, as specified by the aircraft manufacturer or regulatory authorities.
These can include checks of specific systems or components that require attention at regular intervals, regardless of flight hours. They are distinct from 100-hour or annual inspections but are part of a comprehensive maintenance program.
These unscheduled inspections are conducted in response to specific events or conditions, and can include inspections after a hard landing, a lightning strike, exceeding operational limits, an abnormal event (e.g., severe turbulence), or upon discovery of a defect during routine operations.
Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by regulatory bodies also often mandate special inspections for particular aircraft components or models due to identified safety concerns. These inspections are critical for assessing damage or issues that fall outside of the regular maintenance schedule.
Using the following aircraft inspection checklist for best practices can help avoid oversights and confirm the thoroughness of inspections of different types of aircraft.
☐Fuselage: Check for dents, cracks, corrosion, and loose rivets. Inspect doors and windows for proper sealing and operation.
☐ Wings and Tail: Examine leading and trailing edges, wingtips, and control surfaces (ailerons, flaps, elevators, rudder) for damage, deformation, or excessive play.
☐Landing Gear: Inspect struts, tires, brakes, and wheel wells for wear, cracks, leaks, and proper inflation. Check retraction and extension mechanisms.
☐Corrosion: Pay attention to areas prone to corrosion, especially in concealed spaces or near dissimilar metals.
☐ Engine Cowling: Check for secure latches, cracks, or damage.
☐ Exhaust System: Look for cracks, leaks, or loose connections.
☐ Propeller/Rotor Blades: Examine for nicks, cracks, erosion, and secure attachment. Check the spinner for damage.
☐ Oil and Fuel Systems: Check for leaks, proper fluid levels, and filter condition. Drain fuel sumps for water or contaminants.
☐ Ignition System: Inspect spark plugs, ignition leads, and magnetos.
☐ Tires: Inspect for cuts, bulges, excessive wear, and proper inflation.
☐ Brakes: Check brake pad wear, fluid leaks, and proper operation.
☐ Struts: Look for leaks, proper extension, and signs of damage.
☐ Wheel Wells: Inspect for debris, corrosion, and structural integrity.
☐ Flight Controls: Confirm free and correct movement of ailerons, elevators, and rudder from the cockpit. Check for excessive play or binding.
☐ Control Cables/Rods: Inspect for fraying, kinks, corrosion, and proper tension.
☐ Hydraulic Systems: Check fluid levels, leaks, and pressure. Test actuator operation where applicable.
☐ Cockpit Instruments: Verify proper function of all gauges, indicators, and warning lights.
☐ Navigation and Communication Equipment: Test radios, GPS, transponder, and other avionics for proper operation.
☐ Autopilot: If installed, test its functionality and disengagement.
☐ Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT): Check for proper activation and battery expiry date.
☐ Exterior Lights: Verify function of navigation lights, landing lights, taxi lights, strobe lights, and anti-collision lights.
☐ Interior Lights: Check cockpit and cabin lighting.
☐ Battery: Inspect battery condition, terminals, and charge level.
☐ Wiring: Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or signs of overheating.
☐ Fuel Tanks: Check for leaks and proper venting.
☐ Fuel Caps: Verify secure closure and proper sealing.
☐ Fuel Quantity Indicators: Confirm accuracy.
☐ Fuel Drains: Drain sumps to check for water or contaminants.
☐ Aircraft Logbook: Confirm all required inspections and maintenance actions are recorded and signed off.
☐ Engine Logbook: Verify engine hours, maintenance, and compliance with service bulletins.
☐ Airworthiness Directives (ADs): Confirm compliance with all applicable ADs.
☐ Service Bulletins (SBs): Verify compliance with relevant SBs, especially mandatory ones.
Aviation maintenance relies on accurate documentation and timely compliance. SOMA Software offers features that facilitate inspection management, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors, such as:
This comprehensive guide to aircraft inspections will ensure aviation safety and regulatory compliance. However, understanding the inspection types, from quick pre-flight checks to comprehensive annual evaluations, is crucial to plan maintenance activities effectively.
SOMA Software offers a comprehensive suite of tools that allows aircraft operators to navigate the complexities of inspection tracking and regulatory compliance. By automating processes, providing real-time data, and centralizing records, the software supports operational safety and efficiency.
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