Next Cycle of Aging Aircraft Inspection

Most folks are forgetting the 7 year limit to repeat the Aging Aircraft inspection and Records Review which started in Dec. 2007.  This inspection must be performed by an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) or authorized FAA DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative).  As we are approaching 2014,  affected air carriers should properly plan this inspection during a heavy maintenance in 2013 or 2014, to meet the 7 year re-inspection requirements of applicable FAR’s.

The applicable regulations mandating this inspection are:

• FAR 121.1105  for DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS

• FAR 129.105  for FOREIGN OPERATORS OF U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT ENGAGED IN COMMON CARRIAGE

• FAR 135.422  for COMMUTER AND ON-DEMAND OPERATIONS

Furthermore, it should be noted that above rules may apply to operators who plan to induct an aircraft with 19+ years in service (years since date of release from manufacturer) into their fleet, or new start-up air carriers with used aircraft with similar years in-service.

If you are affected by this rule, please contact ATC in advance to schedule an FAA DAR to perform the Aging Aircraft Inspection & Records Review of your affected aircraft.