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To ensure the safety of passengers and crew, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a series of inspections for all aircraft.

Most aircraft must undergo a complete inspection at least once per year.

These inspections are conducted by qualified mechanics and focus on key areas of the aircraft, such as the engine, flight controls, and landing gear.

In addition to these annual inspections, aircraft are also subject to random spot checks by the FAA. These checks can happen at any time and may focus on any aspect of the aircraft. By requiring these regular inspections, the FAA is able to provide a reasonable assurance that aircraft are functioning properly and meet all safety standards.

The 100 Hour Inspection

The 100 Hour Inspection is a thorough inspection of an aircraft required every 100 hours by the Federal Aviation Administration. The inspection is required for any aircraft that carries any person (other than a crew member) for hire, or that is provided by any person giving flight instruction for hire.

The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by 10 hours for the purposes of flying to a place where the inspection can be done.

The excess time must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.

The 100 Hour Inspection is a way to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and to keep the aircraft in good working condition.

Progressive Inspections

A progressive inspection is a type of aircraft maintenance plan that involves shorter, more frequent inspections phases.

Progressive inspections are beneficial for owners whose aircraft experience high usage, such as flight schools, corporate flight departments, and FBOs.

With a progressive inspection plan, all items required for the annual and 100-hour inspection must be inspected within the required time frame. This allows for more flexibility in the scheduling of maintenance tasks, and can ultimately help to minimize downtime. In addition, progressive inspections can help to identify potential problems early on, before they have a chance to cause major damage or disruption.

Items Checked During Inspections (FAR 43)

FAR 43 Appendix D contains a list of items to be checked during inspections, including the altimeter, transponders, and emergency locator transmitter. These items are essential for the safe operation of aircraft, and inspectors must ensure that they are in good working order.

The altimeter measures the altitude of the aircraft, and the transponder helps to identify the aircraft to air traffic control. The emergency locator transmitter sends out a distress signal in the event of an accident, making it easier for rescuers to find the aircraft.

Full Service Inspection Facility

At Sparkchasers, we understand the importance of keeping your aircraft in top condition. That's why we offer a full range of inspection and certification services to keep you flying safely and legally.

Our team of qualified professionals has the latest testing equipment to ensure that your aircraft meets all the necessary requirements.

Certifications we offer include:

• FAR 91.411 Pitot-Static System, Altimeter, and Automatic Altitude-Reporting (Mode C) Systems Certification (required for IFR flights into controlled airspace)
• FAR 91.413 Transponder Certification (required for IFR and VFR flight into controlled airspace)
• FAR 91.207 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) inspections for proper installation, battery corrosion, operations of the crash sensor, and signal strength

If you're due for an inspection, or if you need certification for your aircraft, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team of qualified professionals will work diligently to get you back in the air as soon as possible.

Sparkchasers Aircraft Services specializes in expert installation and technology recommendations to customize your airplane’s flight panel with modern avionics from the top brands in the industry. Sparkchasers is an award-winning, experienced team that strives to provide excellent customer service, stay current with the latest avionics technology, and draws on years of experience to diagnose technical issues quickly and efficiently. Sparkchasers provides services for piston-driven, turboprop, and turbine engine aircraft. When you plan to upgrade your aircraft’s avionics or need FAA certifications completed, give us a call at (919) 934-1654 or visit www.flysparkchasers.com for a quick quote.