Quality Service for Your Aircraft Across North Texas
For pilots and aircraft owners, maintaining the safety and longevity of your aircraft is a top priority. One crucial aspect of aircraft maintenance is the 100-hour inspection, a comprehensive review required for certain aircraft that helps ensure they remain in peak operating condition. At Granbury Aviation Services, we specialize in performing 100-hour inspections for small aircraft, including Beechcraft Bonanza, Cessna, and Cirrus models, ensuring your plane stays safe, compliant, and ready to fly.
What is a 100-Hour Inspection?
A 100-hour inspection is a routine maintenance check required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aircraft that are used for hire or flight instruction. If your aircraft is flown commercially or rented out, it must undergo a 100-hour inspection for every 100 hours of flight time logged.
This inspection covers all of the key components of your aircraft, including the engine, airframe, control surfaces, landing gear, fuel systems, and avionics. The goal is to catch any potential issues early, preventing them from turning into more serious problems down the line. At Granbury Aviation Services, our certified mechanics thoroughly inspect your aircraft to ensure it meets all FAA safety standards, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your plane is airworthy.
How Does a 100-Hour Inspection Differ from a 50-Hour or Annual Inspection?
Understanding the difference between a 100-hour inspection, a 50-hour inspection, and an annual inspection can be confusing, especially for newer aircraft owners. While all three inspections are critical to maintaining the safety of your aircraft, they serve different purposes and have distinct legal requirements.
100-Hour Inspection:
This inspection is required for aircraft used commercially or for flight instruction. It must be completed every 100 hours of flight time. This inspection is similar in scope to the annual inspection but occurs more frequently for planes that accumulate hours quickly. Unlike the annual inspection, a certified A&P mechanic (without an IA, or Inspection Authorization) can perform the 100-hour inspection.
50-Hour Inspection:
The 50-hour inspection is not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended for aircraft that are flown frequently. This inspection is a lighter checkup compared to the 100-hour and annual inspections. It typically focuses on changing the engine oil and filter, inspecting the spark plugs, and checking for signs of wear and tear. Pilots who want to stay ahead of potential issues often choose to schedule a 50-hour inspection to ensure ongoing engine health and safety between major inspections.
Annual Inspection:
All aircraft must undergo an annual inspection, regardless of how many flight hours have been logged. This is a comprehensive inspection similar in scope to the 100-hour, but it is a legal requirement for all aircraft, whether flown privately or for hire. Annual inspections must be completed by an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), adding an additional level of certification to ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
Legal Requirements for 100-Hour Inspections
The FAA mandates 100-hour inspections for aircraft that are used for commercial purposes or flight instruction. These inspections are not just a safety precaution—they are required by law for certain aircraft operations. Failing to complete a 100-hour inspection within the prescribed flight hours can lead to significant fines and legal issues.
One important aspect to note is that the FAA allows a 10-hour grace period for completing the 100-hour inspection, meaning you can exceed 100 hours by up to 10 hours only if you are flying to a location where the inspection can be completed. However, any overage must be deducted from the next 100-hour period.
The Benefits of 100-Hour Inspections
Maximized Aircraft Lifespan
Regular inspections, such as the 100-hour check, are key to extending the lifespan of your aircraft. By catching and addressing wear and tear early, you can avoid costly repairs down the line and ensure that your aircraft continues to operate safely for years to come.
Increased Safety
Safety is always the top priority in aviation. The 100-hour inspection ensures that all major components of your aircraft are functioning correctly, reducing the risk of mechanical failures that could endanger you, your passengers, or your crew. It’s a proactive measure that keeps your aircraft airworthy.
FAA Compliance
Staying compliant with FAA regulations not only protects you legally, but it also builds credibility and trust, especially if your aircraft is used for hire or flight instruction. Completing regular 100-hour inspections demonstrates that your aircraft is well-maintained and meets all required safety standards.
Improved Performance
Well-maintained aircraft perform better. A thorough 100-hour inspection ensures that your engine, avionics, and control systems are operating efficiently, resulting in smoother flights and fewer in-flight issues.
Why Choose Granbury Aviation Services for Your 100-Hour Inspection?
At Granbury Aviation Services, we pride ourselves on offering expert 100-hour inspection services tailored to small aircraft such as Beechcraft Bonanza, Cessna, and Cirrus models. Our certified A&P mechanics have years of experience working with these aircraft, ensuring that every inspection is performed with precision and care. We work transparently, providing you with detailed reports and preparing all necessary logbook documentation to keep your records up to date.
When you choose Granbury Aviation Services, you’re partnering with a team of professionals who are committed to your aircraft’s safety, reliability, and longevity. Contact us today to schedule your 100-hour inspection and keep your aircraft flying safely!
