IA Annual Inspection Scope, Planning & Checklist Standards

Question 1

What regulatory document defines the minimum scope and detail of an annual inspection?

Accepted Answer

14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D

Answer

14 CFR Part 91, Appendix A

Answer

AC 43-204 (Visual Inspection for Aircraft)

Answer

14 CFR Part 65, Subpart E

Question 2

What must the IA do before beginning an annual inspection?

Accepted Answer

Obtain the aircraft owner's written authorization and review all available aircraft records

Answer

Submit a pre-inspection report to the FSDO

Answer

Complete an FAA-approved pre-inspection form within 72 hours

Answer

Verify that no other mechanic has worked on the aircraft in the past 30 days

Question 3

Which system requires an IA to inspect both the flight control surfaces AND the control system cables, pulleys, and turnbuckles during an annual?

Accepted Answer

The entire flight control system including secondary controls, trim, and associated hardware

Answer

Only the primary flight controls (ailerons, elevator, rudder)

Answer

Only the trim tabs and flaps as the primary controls are self-evident

Answer

Only the control surfaces, not the internal cable runs

Question 4

What must an IA verify about control cable safety when inspecting during an annual?

Accepted Answer

That turnbuckles are safety-wired or clipped, and that cables are within tension limits and free of broken strands

Answer

That cables are stainless steel only

Answer

That all cables were replaced within the last 5 years

Answer

That cable diameter matches the original design drawing scale

Question 5

During an annual, the IA finds that several inspection panels are riveted shut with no quick-access provisions. What is the concern?

Accepted Answer

Some areas require inspection access; permanently closed panels may prevent the IA from completing the required scope

Answer

Panel rivets are acceptable; there is no inspection access requirement

Answer

The aircraft cannot be approved until all panels are converted to quick-release fasteners

Answer

Only panels installed after 1980 require quick-access provisions

Question 6

What is the IA's responsibility regarding Airworthiness Directives (ADs) during an annual inspection?

Accepted Answer

The IA must check all applicable ADs and verify that each required action is compliant and recorded

Answer

ADs are the owner's responsibility; the IA only inspects the physical aircraft

Answer

Only recurring ADs need verification; one-time ADs are assumed to have been completed

Answer

ADs need only be reviewed if the aircraft has recently changed ownership