FAR 43.11 — Inspection Record Entries
FAR 43.11 sets the required entries, signatures, and statements for aircraft inspection records under Parts 91, 125, and 135 — what must be recorded and signed.
In Plain English
FAR 43.11 tells the person who performs an inspection under Part 91, 125, § 135.411(a)(1), or § 135.419 exactly what must be written in the maintenance record when approving — or disapproving — an aircraft for return to service.
Every inspection entry must include:
- The type of inspection and a brief description of its extent
- The date and aircraft total time in service
- The signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person signing off
- A certifying statement that the aircraft was inspected and is in airworthy condition (or a statement that a list of discrepancies was provided if it is not airworthy)
- For progressive inspections, a specific statement identifying what was routinely vs. detail inspected
- If done under an inspection program, identification of that program and what portion was completed
If the inspector finds the aircraft unairworthy, they must give the owner or lessee a signed, dated list of discrepancies. Items deferred under § 91.213(d)(2) must be placarded “Inoperative” and added to that list. This is why the logbook signoff after an annual or 100-hour matters operationally — it’s the legal evidence the aircraft is airworthy and legal to fly.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 43.11§ 43.11 Content, form, and disposition of records for inspections conducted under parts 91 and 125 and §§ 135.411(a)(1) and 135.419 of this chapter.
(a)The person approving or disapproving for return to service an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part after any inspection performed in accordance with part 91, 125, § 135.411(a)(1), or § 135.419 shall make an entry in the maintenance record of that equipment containing the following information:
(1) The type of inspection and a brief description of the extent of the inspection.
(2) The date of the inspection and aircraft total time in service.
(3) The signature, the certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving or disapproving for return to service the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component part, or portions thereof.
(4) Except for progressive inspections, if the aircraft is found to be airworthy and approved for return to service, the following or a similarly worded statement—“I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with (insert type) inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition.”
(5) Except for progressive inspections, if the aircraft is not approved for return to service because of needed maintenance, noncompliance with applicable specifications, airworthiness directives, or other approved data, the following or a similarly worded statement—“I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with (insert type) inspection and a list of discrepancies and unairworthy items dated (date) has been provided for the aircraft owner or operator.”
(6) For progressive inspections, the following or a similarly worded statement—“I certify that in accordance with a progressive inspection program, a routine inspection of (identify whether aircraft or components) and a detailed inspection of (identify components) were performed and the (aircraft or components) are (approved or disapproved) for return to service.” If disapproved, the entry will further state “and a list of discrepancies and unairworthy items dated (date) has been provided to the aircraft owner or operator.”
(7) If an inspection is conducted under an inspection program provided for in part 91, 125, or § 135.411(a)(1), the entry must identify the inspection program, that part of the inspection program accomplished, and contain a statement that the inspection was performed in accordance with the inspections and procedures for that particular program.
(b)If the person performing any inspection required by part 91 or 125 or § 135.411(a)(1) of this chapter finds that the aircraft is unairworthy or does not meet the applicable type certificate data, airworthiness directives, or other approved data upon which its airworthiness depends, that persons must give the owner or lessee a signed and dated list of those discrepancies. For those items permitted to be inoperative under § 91.213(d)(2) of this chapter, that person shall place a placard, that meets the aircraft's airworthiness certification regulations, on each inoperative instrument and the cockpit control of each item of inoperative equipment, marking it “Inoperative,” and shall add the items to the signed and dated list of discrepancies given to the owner or lessee.
[Amdt. 43-23, 47 FR 41085, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended by Amdt. 43-30, 53 FR 50195, Dec. 13, 1988; Amdt. 43-36, 61 FR 19501, May 1, 1996; 71 FR 44188, Aug. 4, 2006]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1After an annual inspection, what specific information must the IA enter in the aircraft’s maintenance record?
Per FAR 43.11, the entry must include the type and extent of the inspection, the date and aircraft total time in service, the signer’s signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate, plus the airworthy-condition certifying statement.
Q2If an inspector finds the aircraft is not airworthy, what must they provide to the owner?
Under FAR 43.11(b), the inspector must give the owner or lessee a signed and dated list of discrepancies and unairworthy items, and the logbook entry must reference that list.
Q3How must inoperative items deferred under § 91.213(d)(2) be handled during the inspection?
FAR 43.11(b) requires the inspector to placard each inoperative instrument or control “Inoperative” in accordance with the aircraft’s airworthiness certification rules and add those items to the signed, dated discrepancy list given to the owner.
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Related Sections in Part 43