What is the 100-hour inspection?

• A. A yearly inspection required for all aircraft regardless of weight.
• B. An inspection identical in scope to an annual inspection. Conducted every 100 hours of flight on aircraft under 12,500 pounds that are used to carry passengers for hire.
• C. A monthly check of maintenance items for all aircraft.
• D. An inspection performed after a severe weather event.

Answer: (B)

The 100-hour inspection is a time-based check required for smaller aircraft used to carry passengers for hire or used for flight instruction for hire. It must be performed every 100 hours of flight time and is conducted to the same standards as the annual inspection, covering the same items and checks (airframe, engine, avionics, systems, life-limited parts, and compliance with applicable ADs). This ensures the aircraft remains airworthy in the same way as an annual, but on a 100-hour flight-time schedule. It applies to aircraft under 12,500 pounds that are used to carry passengers for hire. It’s not a blanket yearly inspection for all aircraft, not a monthly maintenance item, and not something tied to severe weather events.