FAR 43.15 — Inspection Performance Rules
FAR 43.15 sets the performance rules for annual, 100-hour, progressive, and rotorcraft inspections, including checklists and engine run-up requirements.
In Plain English
FAR 43.15 lays out how required inspections must actually be performed — it builds on the basic maintenance rules with specific procedures.
Key requirements:
- General standard: Anyone performing an inspection under Part 91, 125, or 135 must determine whether the aircraft meets all applicable airworthiness requirements, and follow the approved inspection program when one applies (e.g., §91.409(e)).
- Rotorcraft: On Part 91 helicopter inspections, the drive shafts, main rotor transmission/gearbox, main rotor and center section, and auxiliary (tail) rotor must be inspected per the manufacturer's maintenance manual or ICA.
- Annual & 100-hour: A checklist is mandatory. It can be homemade, manufacturer-supplied, or third-party, but must cover the scope and detail of Appendix D to Part 43 (plus the rotorcraft items above).
- Engine run-up before return to service: For piston aircraft, check power (static/idle RPM), magnetos, fuel and oil pressure, and cylinder/oil temperature. For turbines, run the engine per manufacturer recommendations.
- Progressive inspections: Begin with a complete aircraft inspection, then follow the routine/detailed schedule.
This matters because a pilot accepting an aircraft after maintenance should know the IA or A&P followed a real, documented process — not just a logbook signature.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 43.15§ 43.15 Additional performance rules for inspections.
(a)Each person performing an inspection required by part 91, 125, or 135 of this chapter, shall—
(1) Perform the inspection so as to determine whether the aircraft, or portion(s) thereof under inspection, meets all applicable airworthiness requirements; and
(2) If the inspection is one provided for in part 125, 135, or § 91.409(e) of this chapter, perform the inspection in accordance with the instructions and procedures set forth in the inspection program for the aircraft being inspected.
(b)Each person performing an inspection required by Part 91 on a rotorcraft shall inspect the following systems in accordance with the maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the manufacturer concerned:
(1) The drive shafts or similar systems.
(2) The main rotor transmission gear box for obvious defects.
(3) The main rotor and center section (or the equivalent area).
(4) The auxiliary rotor on helicopters.
(c)(1) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall use a checklist while performing the inspection. The checklist may be of the person's own design, one provided by the manufacturer of the equipment being inspected or one obtained from another source. This checklist must include the scope and detail of the items contained in appendix D to this part and paragraph (b) of this section.
(2) Each person approving a reciprocating-engine-powered aircraft for return to service after an annual or 100-hour inspection shall, before that approval, run the aircraft engine or engines to determine satisfactory performance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations of—
(i) Power output (static and idle r.p.m.);
(ii) Magnetos;
(iii) Fuel and oil pressure; and
(iv) Cylinder and oil temperature.
(3) Each person approving a turbine-engine-powered aircraft for return to service after an annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspection shall, before that approval, run the aircraft engine or engines to determine satisfactory performance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(d)(1) Each person performing a progressive inspection shall, at the start of a progressive inspection system, inspect the aircraft completely. After this initial inspection, routine and detailed inspections must be conducted as prescribed in the progressive inspection schedule. Routine inspections consist of visual examination or check of the appliances, the aircraft, and its components and systems, insofar as practicable without disassembly. Detailed inspections consist of a thorough examination of the appliances, the aircraft, and its components and systems, with such disassembly as is necessary. For the purposes of this subparagraph, the overhaul of a component or system is considered to be a detailed inspection.
(2) If the aircraft is away from the station where inspections are normally conducted, an appropriately rated mechanic, a certificated repair station, or the manufacturer of the aircraft may perform inspections in accordance with the procedures and using the forms of the person who would otherwise perform the inspection.
[Doc. No. 1993, 29 FR 5451, Apr. 23, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 43-23, 47 FR 41086, Sept. 16, 1982; Amdt. 43-25, 51 FR 40702, Nov. 7, 1986; Amdt. 43-31, 54 FR 34330, Aug. 18, 1989; 71 FR 44188, Aug. 4, 2006]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Is a checklist required during an annual or 100-hour inspection, and what must it cover?
Yes. Per FAR 43.15(c)(1), the inspector must use a checklist — self-made, manufacturer-supplied, or from another source — that includes the scope and detail of Appendix D to Part 43 (and the rotorcraft items in 43.15(b) when applicable).
Q2Before returning a piston-engine aircraft to service after an annual, what engine checks are required?
FAR 43.15(c)(2) requires running the engine to verify satisfactory power output (static and idle RPM), magnetos, fuel and oil pressure, and cylinder and oil temperature, all in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Q3How does a progressive inspection program begin under FAR 43.15?
Under FAR 43.15(d)(1), at the start of a progressive inspection program the aircraft must first be inspected completely; afterward, routine and detailed inspections are performed per the progressive inspection schedule.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 43