Understanding the Basics of Aircraft Inspections
In the first episode of MzeroA Lounge, Sara welcomes Chad Pemberton, an experienced A&P mechanic and Inspection Authorization (IA) holder, to break down essential aircraft maintenance knowledge every pilot should understand. The conversation starts with the two key inspections: the Annual Inspection and the 100-Hour Inspection.
While the annual inspection is required for all aircraft once a year, the 100-hour inspection is necessary for aircraft used for hire. Chad also introduces progressive inspections, an option some operators use to divide inspection processes into manageable segments over time, especially for high-utilization fleets.
Additional inspection points discussed include the 24-month check for transponders and the pitot-static system, and the yearly ELT inspections, including battery life limitations and usage hour restrictions.
How to Determine Airworthiness Like a Mechanic
Pilots are legally responsible for the airworthiness of their aircraft before every flight. Chad explains what this means in practice – from checking airworthiness certificates and registrations, to ensuring all ADs (Airworthiness Directives) and STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) are documented correctly.
He outlines how pilots can verify that documents match the aircraft’s serial number and tail number using the data plate and discusses how to read maintenance logs accurately. Understanding the difference between mandatory and option service bulletins, and what to do when AD numbers are missing from logs, is also covered.
For preflight inspections, Chad encourages pilots to physically interact with the aircraft, citing, “you haven’t inspected something until you’ve touched it” – and highlights red flags such as smoking rivets, loose bolts, and unusual vibrations.
What Pilots Can Do Themselves Under FAA Regulations
Under 14 CFR Part 43, specifically Appendix A and FAR 43.3 there are several preventative maintenance tasks that pilots can legally perform – like changing oil and tires, replacing knobs, and greasing hinges. Chad emphasizes the importance of referencing manufacturer manuals and correctly logging maintenance entries in accordance with FAR 43.9.
He also distinguishes between major repairs, regular maintenance, and preventative maintenance, with clear examples of what pilots can and cannot do without an A&P or IA mechanic. Logbook literacy is crucial – especially understanding acronyms like TSMO (Time Since Major Overhaul), and tracking aircraft hours properly using Hobbs meters, tachometers, or airframe hours.
Learn More with MzeroA Online Ground School
Chad wraps up the episode with Sara, by stressing the value of building a relationship with a trustworthy mechanic. He shares anecdotes about both everyday maintenance issues and head-scratching cases – like how an air conditioning system once caused oil pressure readings to spike due to shared grounding.
The episode closes with a call to action for pilots to engage with their maintenance teams, learn how their systems work, and explore maintenance departments whenever possible. MzeroA Online Ground School offers a 2-week free trial – begin today. Consider it a discovery flight, to see if MzeroA Online Ground School is the right fit for you.