About 700 aircraft reach the end of their operational lives every year.

Adhering to strict aircraft maintenance schedules and protocols helps to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. Regular maintenance inspections and checks help identify and address potential mechanical issues, minimizing the risk of in-flight failures. 

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the key things to look for when inspecting aircraft components. Keep reading for more.

Primary Aircraft Inspections

An MRO service is a great way to ensure an aircraft is in perfect working order and all components are in good condition. It includes things like component repair, interior modifications, base and line maintenance, and painting.

Aside from aircraft overhaul services, there are various inspections that you should do regularly. Even if there don’t appear to be any issues with an aircraft, inspections involve a closer look to determine if there are any faults that need addressing.

Annual Inspections

Most aircraft need annual inspections carried out by a mechanic who has IA (inspection authorization). This is a routine check to ensure an aircraft is airworthy. If you want to move an aircraft that’s outside of the annual inspection period, you might be able to obtain a ferry permit.

100-Hour Inspections

If you have any aircraft that carries passengers (aside from the crew) the FAA requires that it has 100-hour inspections. Unlike the annual inspection, the time between these inspections will vary depending on how much use an aircraft gets.

Progressive Inspections

This type of inspection follows all manufacturer standards and involves checks on the various components at specific intervals. This helps to minimize downtime and is a common choice for fleets that get a lot of use.

Pre-Flight Inspections

During pre-flight inspections before every single flight, the pilots and ground crew work to identify any potential issues or malfunctions before takeoff. Pre-flight inspections involve in-depth checks of the aircraft’s systems, controls, surfaces, and condition to ensure flight safety and that the aircraft is in proper working order.

Cabin

The required paperwork for aircraft cabin inspections consists of the following:

• Airworthiness certificate
• Operating handbook
• Weight and balance data
• Registration certificate
• Radio station license (only required outside the U.S.)

Legally, these documents must remain inside the aircraft with the airworthiness certificate displayed so it’s visible to passengers. 

Exterior

This involves a walkaround of the aircraft to ensure there are no issues. This can include looking for things like:

• Loose bolts, nuts, or rivets
• Tire wear
• Rust or grooves on brake pads
• Oil leaks
• A build-up in the exhaust
• Dirty light covers or sensors

Regular aircraft maintenance should ensure there are no issues here, but it’s still essential before every flight.

Aircraft Components Inspection Checklist

All aircraft components need to be fully functional to ensure safe operation at all times. During 100-hour and annual inspections, there are various components that will always be checked on both inspections, such as the altimeter, fuselage, and radio equipment.

There are plenty of issues that can occur with these components. Some may be easily noticeable, such as parts that are cracked, loose, or missing, and some may only be evident after testing. As components require replacement, you can source individual spare parts for a cost-effective solution.

The radio equipment should be regularly tested to make sure it’s functioning correctly. This checklist includes everything that a standard inspection covers:

Instruments

This consists of the altimeter, the transponder, and the emergency locator transmitter. If any of these are replaced, the new component needs to be properly inspected before the first flight.

Fuselage, Hull, Empennage, and Wings

Check the skin and fabric for any signs of deterioration, failures, and loose fittings. Then take a look at the systems and hardware to make sure everything is properly installed and fully functional.

Engine and Nacelle

This part involves various components:

• Engine
• Pampeners
• Cowling
• Exhaust
• Studs and nuts
• Engine mount
• Hoses
• Lines
• Fittings

You need to make sure everything is in place correctly and there are no leaks. You also want to check for cracks, defects, and any signs of deterioration or damage.

Cabin and Cockpit

The seats and safety belts need to be securely attached with no signs of damage or wear. Check the windows and all instruments for things like cracks and gaps in the seals.

Make sure there aren’t any loose items or other objects that could move about during a flight. At this point, you can also check the battery to ensure it’s mounted properly and has sufficient charge capacity.

Radio and Electronic Equipment

Test all electronic equipment to make sure it’s functioning and displaying correctly. You also want to check that everything is mounted securely, with all bonding and shielding in place.

Landing Gear

The landing gear consists of several important parts, including:

• Wheels
• Tires
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Hydraulic lines
• Retracting mechanism
• Linkages
• Electrical components

You need to check all of these for any signs of wear, damage, or distortion. Make sure there are no leaks in the hydraulic lines and the suspension has suitable fluid levels. Then test everything to ensure it’s all functioning properly.

Professional Aircraft Maintenance

Suitable aircraft maintenance will ensure any aircraft in your fleet are always in a good state and fit to fly. With time, aircraft components will break down, so you’ll need to repair and replace them accordingly.EFTEC is a leading aviation parts supplier and we operate in the US, UK, and Europe. We also offer a range of aircraft repair and maintenance services to help ensure your fleet is always in the best condition possible. Take a look at our MRO Services page to find out more about some of the services we offer.