Inspections, Inspections, and more Inspections.

As passengers, we assume the plane sitting at the gate or on the tarmac has been thoroughly inspected in accordance with the expectations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.)  The guidelines are rigorous and the companies charged with following them must be vigilant.  Whether it be a small private airline, a commercial airline, or airplanes transporting cargo, each plane must be inspected at least every 100 hours that the plane has been “hired.”  Aircraft owners and operators must create a Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) which outlines both the routine and detailed inspections for each aircraft.  Meticulous records are kept regarding the various types of inspections, which are also known as checks.  The more routine inspections can be conducted at a gate, whereas the more detailed checks are done in an airport hangar.

On the surface, not many would question the need for such checks and any resulting necessary maintenance performed.  However, there are times, usually when it is least convenient, a plane is not available or pulled from service due to maintenance.  Perhaps it is towed from the gate for something simple such as the aisle lights used in an emergency are inoperable or the toilet will not flush.  Maybe you were on board the plane and were asked to disembark because the part needed to fix the overhead bin would take longer to arrive than anticipated.  The passengers often feel something that “minor” should not cause a flight to be cancelled or delayed.  Everyone has thought it.  Everyone has experienced the frustration.  

In reality, the fact that a crew member found the faulty item before takeoff is a blessing we sometimes consider to be an annoyance.  Rest assured, a pilot and crew’s attention to detail during these checks is absolutely vital to the safety of the passengers and crew of any aircraft.  They may find the smallest item wrong with the plane, but that small piece/part/button/thing-a-majig could be an indication of other missed maintenance, or be connected or work in conjunction with a much larger system at risk for failing.  To keep us safe, aircraft owners and operators have several different types of checks they perform on a regular basis.  Some are done at 500 flight hours, some are performed every three to six months, and still others are done every fifteen to twenty-one months.  The most comprehensive inspections are performed every five to six years where a plane may spend 2 months in a hangar being inspected.

Moser Aviation is honored that its passengers trust in the company, its staff and crew members.  They certainly do not take that responsibility lightly and are vigilant about aircraft maintenance.  To that end, Moser has sought and obtained certification approval through The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC,) Argus International, Inc., and Wyvern, Ltd., all companies whose job is to review documentation from the company and approve their operation for continued revenue.

Information referenced from:  http://blog.covingtonaircraft.com/2012/01/18/why-is-plane-maintenance-so-important/