Best Practice: Special Attention Inspections
An assessment of an airplane’s paperwork is only the prelude to a thorough aging evaluation. For aging airplanes, the normal annual inspection minimum requirements specified in 14 CFR 43.15, Appendix D, or those recommended by the manufacturer are probably not enough. A detailed inspection or series of inspections, modifications, parts replacements, or a combination of these may be necessary to keep an aging airplane operating safely.
As an airplane ages, the inspection methods and techniques may change from what was previously required. Special inspections may be required because of high aircraft time, severe operation, inactivity, outside storage, modifications, or poor maintenance. The records research will provide information needed for owners and mechanics to determine what may be needed for a particular airplane or airplane type.
Special inspection criteria can be written to pertain to a specific airplane or airplane type. Appendix 1, Aging Airplane Inspection & Maintenance Baseline Checklist, is a baseline form that you can use as a starting point for developing a model or airplane specific inspection and maintenance checklist.
The design concepts of both systems (mechanical, electrical, and flight controls) and structures (layout and materials) are similar from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer for most aging GA airplanes. Areas common to these airplanes areas that are typically susceptible to aging have been identified and are listed in Appendix 1.
The checklist form in Appendix 1 lists areas that are critical to the airworthiness of the airplane. It is broken into several categories or airplane areas:
. General . Engine . Modifications
. Avionics . Fuel System . Propeller
. Controls . Fuselage . Repairs
. Electrical . Instruments . Systems
. Empennage . Landing Gear . Wing
Some of the listed airplane areas are sensitive to calendar age. Corrosion, wiring, electrical connectors, seals, fuel and hydraulics plumbing, and control cables are some examples. Other areas are sensitive to flight hours or corrosion. Major attach fittings such as wing, empennage, and engine attachments are some examples. For instance, the attach bolts are typically never removed and inspected.
In addition to pointing out specific areas to inspect, the checklist form provides space in columns to document why the inspection may be necessary, when the area or part was last inspected or replaced, and any findings or notes. This last column may aid in documenting special inspections, part replacements, or other noteworthy actions.
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