To determine the specific inspection requirements and rules for the performance of inspections, you should refer to 14 CFR part 91, subpart E, which prescribes the requirements for various types of operations. 

## manufacturer maintenance manuals 

All inspections must follow the manufacturer main- tenance manual, including the instructions for continued airworthiness concerning inspection intervals, parts replacement, and life-limited items as applicable to your aircraft. The maintenance manuals provided by the manufacturer of your air- craft are your best available resource on issues of aircraft maintenance. 

## Preventive maintenance 

14 CFR lists 32 relatively uncomplicated repairs and procedures defined as preventive maintenance. Certificated pilots, excluding student and recreational pilots, may perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft owned or operated by them that are not used in air carrier service. These preventive maintenance operations are listed in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, Preventive Maintenance. 14 CFR part 43 also con- tains other rules to be followed in the maintenance of aircraft. 

## inspections 

In order to provide a reasonable assurance that aircraft are functioning properly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a series of aircraft inspections somewhat similar to the many currency requirements for airmen. This section outlines the basic inspection requirements for aircraft. 

## Annual Inspection 

Most general aviation aircraft require an annual in- spection pursuant to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.409. 

Excluded aircraft: 

•  Use an approved progressive inspection plan; 

• Carry a special flight permit; or 

• Carry a provisional airworthiness certificate. 

The annual inspection must be completed and approved by a mechanic with an inspection authorization (IA) once every 12 calendar months. For example, if the aircraft’s annual is endorsed on June 16, 2008, the next annual inspection is due before July 1, 2009; otherwise the aircraft may not be flown without authorization (e.g., a special flight or “ferry” permit). 

A ferry permit is required to fly an aircraft that is out of annual, such as in the case of flying to another airport for the inspection. Chapter 5 discusses the issuance of special flight permits. You can contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for instructions on applying for a special flight or ferry permit. 

## 100-Hour Inspection 

The 100-hour (14 CFR part 91, section 91.409) inspection is required for aircraft that either: 

• Carry any person (other than a crewmember) for hire, or 

• Are provided by any person giving flight instruction. 

The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by 10 hours for the purposes of flying to a place where the inspection can be completed. The excess time must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service. 

Some examples of “for hire” operations under 14 CFR part 91 that subject the aircraft to the 100-hour inspection requirement include: 

• An aerial photography flight, or 

• A flight instructor providing an aircraft, or any operation that supplies both flight instruction and an aircraft. (An aircraft provided by the (student) pilot receiving instruction is not subject to the 100-hour inspection.) 

## Condition Inspection 

A condition inspection is required once every 12 calendar months for light-sport aircraft certificated in the light-sport category. In accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327, the condition inspection must be performed by “a certificated repairman (light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating, an appropriately rated mechanic, or an appropriately rated repair station in accordance with inspection procedures developed by the aircraft manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA.” 

## other inspection Programs 

The annual and 100-hour inspection requirements do not apply to large (over 12,500 pounds) airplanes, turbojets, or turbopropeller-powered multiengine airplanes, or to airplanes for which the owner or operator complies with the progressive inspection requirements. Details of these require- ments may be determined by reference to 14 CFR part 43, section 43.11; 14 CFR part 91, subpart E; and by inquiry at the local FSDO. 

