FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsEasy
A mechanic is asked when an aircraft must next undergo its required annual inspection. The aircraft's last annual inspection was signed off on March 15 of last year. By what date must the next annual inspection be completed to keep the aircraft airworthy?
- ADecember 31 of this year
- BApril 15 of this year
- CMarch 15 of this year
- DMarch 31 of this year
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. March 31 of this year
14 CFR 91.409(a) requires an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months. A calendar month runs to the end of the month, so an inspection completed in March of last year is due by the end of March of the following year.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. December 31 has no relation to the March inspection date.
- B. Adding a full extra month past March is incorrect.
- C. This uses the exact day, but calendar months extend to the end of the month.
Annual Inspection Timing
Under 14 CFR 91.409(a)(1), most aircraft must have an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months to remain airworthy.
- Calendar month counting runs to the last day of the month.
- Applies to all aircraft except those inspected under an approved progressive or other program.
- Failure to complete on time grounds the aircraft until inspected.
Memory trick: "Inspect by month's end, not the exact day, my friend."