The basic requirements for annual and 100-hour inspections are discussed in 14 CFR part 91. After each flight, it is recommended that the pilot or mechanic conduct a postflight inspection to detect any problems that might require repair or servicing before the next flight. Additionally, it is the pilot’s responsibility to review the aircraft maintenance records, and other required paperwork to verify that the aircraft is indeed airworthy. Also, the pilot must ensure that fuel, oil, and other items required for flight are at the proper levels and not contaminated.

The first section of the checklist is entitled “Preflight Inspection.” The preflight inspection checklist includes a “walk-around” section listing items that the pilot is to visually check for general condition as he or she walks around the airplane. Pilots are required to follow a checklist contained within the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) when operating aircraft. To determine the specific inspection requirements and rules for the performance of inspections, refer to the CFR that prescribes the requirements for the inspection and maintenance of aircraft in various types of operations. In other instances, an aircraft may be inspected in accordance with a system set up to provide for total inspection of the aircraft over a calendar or flight time period. More detailed inspections must be conducted by aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs at least once each 12 calendar months, while inspection is required for others after each 100 hours of flight. Therefore, the aircraft must be inspected before each flight. The pilot in command (PIC) of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. For the purpose of determining their overall condition, 14 CFR provides for the inspection of all civil aircraft at specific intervals, depending generally upon the type of operations that they are engaged in.

Faa flightcheck aircraft