Glossary
Annual Inspection
Definition
A comprehensive inspection required every 12 calendar months by FAR 91.409(a). Unlike the 100-hour inspection, the annual has no overfly allowance — the aircraft is grounded on the expiration date.
Why It Matters
Annual inspections are calendar-based, not hour-based. An aircraft that hasn't flown in 11 months still needs its annual. Many schools coordinate the annual with a 100-hour inspection to minimize downtime.