AIRCRAFT INSPECTION INSPECTION PROCESS

The Art of Inspection What inspection What inspection Who can inspect Who can inspect Phases of inspection Phases of inspection

Inspection ??? (what inspection?) 100 hour inspection 100 hour inspection Annual inspection Annual inspection Inspection required by an AD Inspection required by an AD Inspection required by a Service Bulletin Inspection required by a Service Bulletin Phase inspection Phase inspection C of A inspection C of A inspection Export inspection Export inspection

Who can do it? 100 hour inspection 100 hour inspection Annual Inspection Annual Inspection Inspection required by an AD Inspection required by an AD Inspection required by a Service Bulletin Inspection required by a Service Bulletin

Five Inspection Phases Pre-inspection (Paperwork) Pre-inspection (Paperwork) Examination (Aircraft) Examination (Aircraft) Service and Repair Service and Repair Functional Check Functional Check Return to Service Return to Service (Back to Paperwork)

Pre Inspection Work order – agreement with customer Work order – agreement with customer Include pricing structure Include pricing structure Describe required work Describe required work Interview customer, Complaints? Interview customer, Complaints? Have customer sign paperwork!!!! Have customer sign paperwork!!!!

Pre Inspection (cont.) Review Records and Specifications Review Records and Specifications Gather aircraft information!! (all of it) Gather aircraft information!! (all of it) Note modifications, alterations Note modifications, alterations Determine repetitive maintenance problems Determine repetitive maintenance problems Airworthiness Directive compliance Airworthiness Directive compliance General aircraft history General aircraft history Conformity Conformity Inspection checklist Inspection checklist

Inspection Table (courtesy Moody Aviation)

Pre Inspection (cont.) Service bulletins and letters Service bulletins and letters Does the FAA require compliance? Does the FAA require compliance? May turn into A.D.’s May turn into A.D.’s Computerized vs.. microfiche Computerized vs.. microfiche Airworthiness Directives Airworthiness Directives Mandatory by the FAA Mandatory by the FAA Must maintain A.D. compliance record Must maintain A.D. compliance record

Pre Inspection Run-Up Before we start any aircraft what do we do? Before we start any aircraft what do we do?

PREFLIGHT INSPECTIONS Ground Inspections Ground Inspections Compares MEL to aircraft Compares MEL to aircraft Searches out obvious problems Searches out obvious problems Primarily for flight crew Primarily for flight crew

Pre-inspection Run-up WHY? Establish baseline Establish baseline Check operation of engine Check operation of engine Check electrical and hydraulic systems Check electrical and hydraulic systems Check flight controls Check flight controls Check radio’s Check radio’s Check instruments – altimeter check, vacuum, etc. Check instruments – altimeter check, vacuum, etc. Check fuel system Check fuel system Upon completion – uncowl and inspect Upon completion – uncowl and inspect

Examination Phase The actual inspection of the aircraft including but not limited to conformity, visually inspecting, feeling, measuring, operating, moving, testing, and evaluating of the acquired results. Discrepancies are recorded and a list is generated for follow up repair. The actual inspection of the aircraft including but not limited to conformity, visually inspecting, feeling, measuring, operating, moving, testing, and evaluating of the acquired results. Discrepancies are recorded and a list is generated for follow up repair. Systematic Inspection – completion of an entire system prior to moving on to another section as is described in the service manual/instructions for that aircraft. Systematic Inspection – completion of an entire system prior to moving on to another section as is described in the service manual/instructions for that aircraft.

Examination Phase Get a checklist you are used to and works for you. The manufacture’s list is the best way to make sure you are covering the most important areas! Get a checklist you are used to and works for you. The manufacture’s list is the best way to make sure you are covering the most important areas! If not available, use the most detailed one you can find! If not available, use the most detailed one you can find!

Generic Checklist

Examination Phase Where do we start? Where do we start?

Service and Repair Phase Servicing – Tasks performed as regular maintenance to ensure an airworthy condition of the aircraft. Tasks performed as regular maintenance to ensure an airworthy condition of the aircraft. Repair - The required repair, overhaul and/or alteration required to restore the aircraft to an airworthy condition as documented in the discrepancy sheet. The required repair, overhaul and/or alteration required to restore the aircraft to an airworthy condition as documented in the discrepancy sheet. Alteration – Modifications of the aircraft requiring an STC are considered a major alteration and require sign-off by an A&P with an Inspection Authorization. Modifications of the aircraft requiring an STC are considered a major alteration and require sign-off by an A&P with an Inspection Authorization.

Functional Check Phase FAR part requires a post inspection functional check on the aircraft engine(s) to determine the proper operation of the engine and related systems including but not limited to: static RPM, idle RPM, magneto functionality, fuel and oil pressure, cylinder and oil temperatures. Additionally, this provides an opportunity to check for fuel and oil leaks, and additional irregularities. FAR part requires a post inspection functional check on the aircraft engine(s) to determine the proper operation of the engine and related systems including but not limited to: static RPM, idle RPM, magneto functionality, fuel and oil pressure, cylinder and oil temperatures. Additionally, this provides an opportunity to check for fuel and oil leaks, and additional irregularities.

Return to Service Phase Wash, vacuum, wax, oil and dress Wash, vacuum, wax, oil and dress Paperwork: Paperwork: Before an aircraft can be legally flown, entries must be made in the maintenance records by the appropriately rated mechanic including an entry and signoff approving the aircraft, or work performed, for return to service. Before an aircraft can be legally flown, entries must be made in the maintenance records by the appropriately rated mechanic including an entry and signoff approving the aircraft, or work performed, for return to service. 100 hour – separate entries 100 hour – separate entries Annual inspection – Airframe only Annual inspection – Airframe only

Where did we go wrong? What is the 6 th phase and where does it belong? (think customer service!!) What is the 6 th phase and where does it belong? (think customer service!!)

Review Six Inspection Phases Pre-inspection (Paperwork) Pre-inspection (Paperwork) Examination (Aircraft) Examination (Aircraft) Inform Customer Inform Customer Service and Repair Service and Repair Functional Check Functional Check Return to Service Return to Service (Back to Paperwork)