FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsMedium
A private pilot is planning to fly an aircraft that has a current annual inspection, but it has been 15 calendar months since the last 100-hour inspection. The pilot intends to use the aircraft for a flight review with an instructor. Is the aircraft legal for this flight?
- ANo, because a 100-hour inspection is required for all aircraft used for flight instruction.
- BNo, because the aircraft must have had a 100-hour inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months.
- CYes, because a flight review is considered a training flight and does not require a 100-hour inspection.
- DYes, because a 100-hour inspection is not required when an aircraft is not being operated for hire.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Yes, because a 100-hour inspection is not required when an aircraft is not being operated for hire.
A 100-hour inspection is only required if the aircraft is being operated for compensation or hire, or is being used to give flight instruction for hire. Since a flight review is for the pilot's currency and not an operation for hire, the 100-hour inspection is not required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. A 100-hour inspection is required for flight instruction for hire, but not for all flight instruction, especially when the aircraft is not being operated for hire.
- B. A 100-hour inspection is not tied to a 12-calendar-month period; that applies to annual inspections. Also, it's not universally required.
- C. While a flight review is a training flight, the reason it doesn't require a 100-hour is specifically due to the 'for hire' aspect, not merely being a training flight.
100-Hour Inspection Requirement
A 100-hour inspection is required for an aircraft if it is used to carry persons for hire, or if it is used for flight instruction for hire. It is not required for private operations or for instruction not for hire.
- Required for aircraft used for hire to carry persons.
- Required for aircraft used for flight instruction for hire.
- Not required for private aircraft operations.
- Not required for flight instruction not for hire (e.g., a flight review for a private pilot).
Memory trick: Annual And Hundred-Hour Inspections Ensure Safety