Plane Sense 7 7-2 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. 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. 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. 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. Most general aviation aircraft require an annual in- spection pursuant to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.409.  Excluded aircraft: 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). 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. 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.” Some examples of “for hire” operations under 14 CFR part 91 that subject the aircraft to the 100-hour  inspection requirement include: 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. The 100-hour (14 CFR part 91, section 91.409)  inspection is required for aircraft that either: 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. manufacturer maintenance manuals Preventive maintenance  100-Hour Inspection  inspections Annual Inspection Condition Inspection  other inspection Programs •  Use an approved progressive inspection plan;  • Carry a special flight permit; or • Carry a provisional airworthiness certificate.  • Carry any person (other than a crewmember) for  hire, or  • Are provided by any person giving flight  instruction.  • 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.)