Flight Training - January 2014 - 35

The "I" is actually a "1" for the 100-hour
inspection that is required (in addition
to the annual) on any aircraft operated
for hire, according to FAR 91.409. This
includes aircraft rentals for the purposes
of flight instruction. A 100-hour inspection
can be passed, but only up to 10 hours if "en
route to a place where the inspection can
be done" according to paragraph (b) of the
aforementioned section (and any overflown
time must be subtracted from the next 100hour total). Some people tend to confuse
the 100-hour with the annual requirements
because the inspections are very similar.
In fact, an annual can take the place of a
100-hour inspection. Just remember, while
a 100-hour can be completed by any A&P
mechanic, only one with an inspection
authorization can sign off on the annual.
The second "A" stands for altimeter and
static system, which must be inspected
every 24 calendar months if operating

fied every 24 calendar months
whether for IFR or VFR flight,
according to FAR 91.413. We all
know that FAR 91.215 requires a
transponder in certain airspaces-basically in, above, and
around Class A, B, C; above
10,000 feet; and in certain
specially designated areas. So
it certainly makes sense that
ALTHOUGH THE
a transponder check would
be required when operating
LANGUAGE
in those areas. However, what
DESCRIBING THEM
if you are operating in areas
IS COMPLICATED
where a transponder is not
AND TOUGH TO
required? Do you still have to
DISSECT, THE
REQUIREMENTS ARE have the transponder checked?
The answer is yes. FAR 91.413
FAIRLY SIMPLE TO
states that you cannot turn on a
REMEMBER IF
transponder anywhere unless it
YOU THINK OF THE
has been tested within the past
ACRONYM AVIATE.
24 calendar months. It is crucial
for the transponder and altitude reporting systems to be
accurate because this is what
ATC uses to monitor aircraft
movements and keep traffic
safely separated.
The "E" is for emergency
locator transmitter or ELT.
This piece of equipment will
send help your way if you are
ever so unfortunate as to crash
your airplane. That's why it is
under IFR, according to FAR 91.411. Here's where
so important to make sure that the ELT inspection is
it gets tricky. Part 43, Appendix E, describes the
completed every 12 calendar months in accordance
manner in which the altimeter/static system tests
with FAR 91.207. A mechanic will be checking for
are to be performed and mentions that the altitude
things such as proper installation, battery corrosion,
reporting system, transponders, and altimeters must
and signal strength-three things that will be mighty
be integrated within 125 feet of each other. Clear as
important to you if you ever have to use that ELT as
mud, right? Does this mean that anywhere we use
a lifeline. In addition to the inspection, you also must
our transponder-VFR or IFR-we also must check
make sure your ELT battery is replaced or recharged
the altimeter and static systems? No. This section
when the ELT has been used for more than one
in particular confuses many people. But remember
cumulative hour or half of the usable battery life.
that it refers to the FAR 91.411 test, which is required
So many subjects in aviation can be mind-boggling,
only for IFR flight. So, if you are flying VFR, there is
but required inspections don't have to be. The next
no 24-month inspection requirement on the altimtime you find yourself deep in the maintenance regulaeter and static systems. However, the flight school
tions and frustrated over their complexity, take a deep
may certify the altimeter and static systems when
breath and remember it is not that hard. All you have
the transponder is inspected. The cost for all three
to do is AVIATE.
inspections is only slightly higher than having a
Natalie Bingham Hoover, ATP/CFII/MEI, has given more
single transponder inspection performed.
than 3,000 hours of dual instruction. She lives in Germantown,
The "T" is for transponder. If your airplane is
Tennessee.
equipped with one, it must be inspected and certi-

A

T

E

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Flight Training - January 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - January 2014
