The Importance of Regular Aircraft Inspections (and What They Involve)

In aviation, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a legal and moral obligation. Whether you're flying a small private aircraft or managing a fleet of commercial planes, regular aircraft inspections are essential to ensuring the airworthiness, performance, and longevity of your aircraft.

At Aviotec, we perform comprehensive inspections that go beyond just checking boxes. Here’s why regular inspections matter and what’s involved in keeping your aircraft flight-ready.

🛫 Why Regular Aircraft Inspections Are Critical

1. Safety First—Always

Routine inspections are the first line of defense against mechanical failure, corrosion, or component wear. Many aviation accidents or incidents are traced back to issues that could have been caught during a routine inspection.

2. Regulatory Compliance

The FAA requires specific inspections at regular intervals depending on aircraft type, use, and hours flown. Failure to comply can result in grounded aircraft, hefty fines, or even certificate suspension.

3. Protect Your Investment

Aircraft are significant financial assets. Inspections help preserve the value of your aircraft by catching small problems before they lead to costly repairs—or worse, catastrophic failure.

4. Better Performance & Reliability

Regular inspections keep your aircraft running efficiently. From engine performance to avionics functionality, inspections ensure every system operates at its best.

🔍 What’s Involved in a Regular Aircraft Inspection?

Aircraft inspections vary depending on the type of operation (Part 91, 135, etc.), aircraft model, and hours flown, but most fall into these general categories:

🔧 Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Inspections

Pilots or ground crew perform these visual checks before and after every flight. They may seem basic, but they’re vital for catching fluid leaks, tire wear, or loose fasteners.

🧩 100-Hour Inspection

Required for aircraft used in commercial operations (Part 135/91 subpart K), the 100-hour inspection includes:

• Airframe and engine inspection

• Propeller check

• Fluid levels and leak detection

• System operation tests

• Control surface checks

  
  

📋 Annual Inspection

Mandatory for all aircraft regardless of commercial use. This is a comprehensive inspection that typically includes:

• Engine compression checks

• Inspection of control cables, pulleys, and hardware

• Airframe corrosion check

• Avionics functionality

• Interior and emergency equipment inspection

  
  

🔄 Progressive & Phase Inspections

These are tailored programs that break large inspections into smaller, manageable phases, often used for high-usage aircraft to minimize downtime.

🧰 What We Offer at Aviotec

Our FAA-certified maintenance team handles inspections with the utmost precision and care. We offer:

• Annual and 100-hour inspections

• Phase inspection programs

• Pre-buy inspections

• Logbook audits

• Digital recordkeeping for compliance tracking

  
  

Whether you're a private owner or part of a corporate flight department, we’re here to ensure your aircraft meets all standards—on time, every time.