Aging airplane inspections and records reviews

This regulation requires Part 121 air carriers to make their aging airplanes available for FAA inspection and records review at specific intervals (it doesn't apply to Alaska intrastate operations). The timing depends on the airplane's age as of December 8, 2003:

• Airplanes over 24 years old: inspection due by December 2007, then every 7 years
• Airplanes 14-24 years old: inspection due by December 2008, then every 7 years
• Airplanes under 14 years old: inspection due 5 years after entering their 15th year of service, then every 7 years

The carrier must demonstrate that maintenance of age-sensitive parts has been adequate for safe operation. They must provide comprehensive records including total service time, flight cycles, life-limited parts status, structural modifications, and airworthiness directive compliance. The carrier must notify the FAA at least 60 days before making the airplane available, and cannot operate the airplane until the FAA completes and approves the review.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*