FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D Annual Inspection Scope Checklist

14 CFR 91.409 requires most general aviation aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 91 to undergo an annual inspection each 12 calendar months. The inspection must be performed and approved for return to service by a mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA). The scope of the annual inspection is defined in 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D, which lists the required inspection items across 15 areas. This checklist follows Appendix D and provides documentation for the inspecting IA to verify each re

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Annual
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: A&P Inspector
  • Total Items: 22
  • Compliance: 14 CFR Part 43, 14 CFR Part 91, FAA Advisory Circular

Fuselage, Cabin, and Cockpit

Appendix D Items 1-3: Inspect fuselage for cracks, airframe structural integrity, seats, belts, and cockpit equipment.

  • Fuselage and hull: no cracks, cuts, or distortions affecting structural integrity?
  • Cabin and cockpit: seat attachment, seat belts, and shoulder harnesses functional?
  • Windows, windshields, and doors: no excessive crazing, cracks, or improper fit?
  • Emergency exits and lights: accessible and operational?
  • Flight and engine controls: full travel, no binding, cables within tension spec?

Wings, Ailerons, and Flaps

Appendix D Items 4-5: Inspect wings, flight surfaces, control systems, and fuel system for airworthiness.

  • Wing leading edges, skin, and spars: no cracks, buckles, or delamination?
  • Ailerons and flaps: hinges secure, no excessive play, linkage intact?
  • Fuel tanks and vents: no leaks; fuel caps secure; sump drains functional?
  • Struts and external bracings: no corrosion, fatigue cracks, or attachment looseness?

Powerplant and Firewall Forward

Appendix D Items 6-8: Inspect engine, carburetor/fuel injection, ignition, propeller, and fuel/oil systems.

  • Engine cylinders, cylinder heads, and exhaust system: no cracks, loose baffles, or exhaust leaks?
  • Ignition system: both magnetos timed correctly; spark plugs within service limits?
  • Propeller: no nicks over 1/8 inch deep or cracks; track within spec?
  • Engine oil system: no leaks; oil level and condition acceptable?

Landing Gear, Brakes, and Hydraulics

Appendix D Items 10-11: Inspect main and nose gear, brakes, and hydraulic system.

  • Main and nose gear: attachment bolts torqued; no cracks in gear legs or attachments?
  • Brake system: fluid level adequate; pads/discs within service limits; no leaks?
  • Tires: no fabric showing; main gear at correct inflation for aircraft?
  • Retract system (if applicable): actuators, doors, and limit switches functional?

Annual Inspection Logbook Entry and IA Certification

The IA must make the required logbook entry and approve the aircraft for return to service per 14 CFR 43.11.

  • Aircraft airworthy in all 15 Appendix D inspection areas?
  • Discrepancies found (list or None):
  • Aircraft N-number and total airframe time:
  • IA certificate number:
  • IA signature approving aircraft for return to service:

Related Transport & Logistics Checklists

Related Fleet Management Checklists

Why Use This FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D Annual Inspection Scope Checklist?

This faa 14 cfr part 43 appendix d annual inspection scope checklist helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for a&p inspector professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annual.

Ensures compliance with 14 CFR Part 43, 14 CFR Part 91, FAA Advisory Circular. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D Annual Inspection Scope Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 5 sections: Fuselage, Cabin, and Cockpit, Wings, Ailerons, and Flaps, Powerplant and Firewall Forward, Landing Gear, Brakes, and Hydraulics, Annual Inspection Logbook Entry and IA Certification. It is designed for transportation & logistics operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annual. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D Annual Inspection Scope Checklist?

This checklist is designed for A&P Inspector professionals in the transportation & logistics industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists

POPProbe