Condition Inspections
Condition inspections for Experimental category aircraft, starting at $1,200.
A condition inspection is the equivalent of an "annual" for a type-certificated aircraft — the required yearly check that keeps an Experimental category aircraft legal to fly.
When Is It Required?
FAR Part 43 specifically states that it does not apply to experimental airworthiness certificates. Instead, the operating limitations issued with your homebuilt's airworthiness certificate require it directly. Those limitations typically read something like:
"No person shall operate this aircraft unless within the preceding 12 calendar months it has had a condition inspection performed in accordance with the scope and detail of appendix D to part 43, or other FAA-approved programs, and found to be in a condition for safe operation."
In practice, that means every 12 calendar months — a full, comprehensive inspection performed and signed off before that window closes, covering the aircraft's airframe, engine, and systems.
The Required Logbook Entry
Condition inspections must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records with this or a similarly worded statement:
"I certify that this aircraft has been inspected on (insert date) in accordance with the scope and detail of appendix D to part 43 and found to be in a condition for safe operation."
The entry also includes the aircraft's total time in service, and the name, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held by the person performing the inspection — all of which we provide as part of every condition inspection.
What We Inspect
A condition inspection is a comprehensive examination of virtually every system and component of the aircraft, including but not limited to:
Airframe
- ›Inspection of the fuselage, wings, empennage, and all inspection panels
- ›Checking for structural integrity, corrosion, and proper operation of all doors and windows
- ›Examination of landing gear systems and components
Engine & Propeller
- ›Detailed inspection of the engine, including compression checks
- ›Examination of engine mounts, cowlings, and baffles
- ›Inspection of the propeller, spinner, and associated components
- ›Performing an aircraft run-up to check engine parameters
Flight Controls
- ›Inspection of all flight controls for proper operation and security
- ›Checking control cables, pulleys, and attachments
- ›Verification of control surface travel and rigging
Systems
- ›Inspection of fuel, hydraulic, and electrical systems
- ›Checking avionics and instruments
- ›Verifying compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives
How We Document It
Every inspection runs against a branded task-card system, not a memory-and-experience pass. Each item is broken into its own card: an objective, the specific FAA and manufacturer reference it's drawn from, the tools and torque values required, a numbered procedure, and a signed completion block — the same documented rigor behind every inspection we perform.
See exactly what's included in inspection labor — and what isn't, like parts and discrepancy repairs — on our Inspection Pricing page before you schedule.
See full pricing →