FAA Cautions That Inspections Be Done by Mechanics

The FAA has issued an Information for Operators (InFO 26015) that warns pilots that they aren’t allowed to perform inspections under 14 CFR Part 43 of the FAA regulations. Part 43 covers approval for return to service and applies to qualified maintenance technicians.

According to the FAA, it “has identified manufacturer’s manuals stating that pilots may perform certain inspections if trained and authorized by local authorities (or similar statements). This has resulted in pilots performing inspections on United States (U.S.)-registered aircraft.”

However, inspections, as defined in 14 CFR Part 1, the FAA explained, “require approval or disapproval for return to service in accordance with § 43.11. Section 43.3 does not authorize pilots to perform inspections, nor does a pilot certificate authorize its holder to determine airworthiness or to approve for return to service an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component under § 43.11.”

There are limited maintenance actions that pilots are allowed to perform under Section 43.3, such as preventive maintenance, removal and reinstallation of cabin oxygen bottles, cabin seat swaps for Part 135 aircraft with nine or fewer seats, and avionics database updates. Preflight inspections “are operational checks and do not constitute inspections under 14 CFR Part 43,” according to the FAA.

“Manufacturer’s manuals may suggest pilots have broader authority to perform inspections, but these statements do not supersede requirements under 14 CFR.”