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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 91.409

Inspections

Read the official rule

In plain English

Aircraft generally need an annual inspection every 12 calendar months to be operated, and aircraft operated for hire (or giving flight instruction for hire) also need a 100-hour inspection. The 100-hour can be exceeded by up to 10 hours only to reach a place of inspection, and the overage is subtracted from the next interval.

Key points

  • Annual inspection: every 12 calendar months.
  • 100-hour inspection: required when operated for hire or for-hire instruction.
  • Annual can substitute for a 100-hour; 100-hour cannot substitute for an annual.

Common pitfalls

  • Letting the annual lapse mid-month — it’s due the last day of the 12th month.
  • Misusing the 10-hour 100-hour overfly allowance.

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

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 7, 2026.