FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsHard
A private pilot has just purchased a new aircraft and wants to ensure all required inspections are current before conducting a passenger-carrying flight. Which of the following inspections is NOT required to be completed within the preceding 12 calendar months for an aircraft operating under VFR?
- AAnnual inspection
- BAltimeter and static system inspection
- CTransponder inspection
- DELT inspection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Altimeter and static system inspection
The altimeter and static system inspection (for IFR operations) is required every 24 calendar months, not 12 calendar months. Annual, Transponder, and ELT inspections are all required every 12 calendar months.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Annual inspection is required every 12 calendar months.
- C. Transponder inspection (91.413) is required every 24 calendar months for IFR and Class A/B/C airspace, but it is not an annual inspection for all VFR operations.
- D. ELT inspection (91.207(d)) is required every 12 calendar months.
Required Inspections (VFR)
Aircraft operating under VFR have specific inspection requirements, including annual, ELT, and transponder checks, but altimeter/static system checks are for IFR every 24 months.
- Annual inspection: 12 calendar months.
- ELT inspection: 12 calendar months (and battery replacement).
- Transponder inspection: 24 calendar months (if required for airspace).
- Altimeter and static system inspection: 24 calendar months (only for IFR operations).
Memory trick: A.A.V.I.A.T.E.: Always Check Everything Out!