When you’re getting ready to fly, it’s not enough to just check the weather or file a flight plan—your aircraft itself must be airworthy and legal.
To help pilots keep track of the required inspections, the FAA world often uses the acronym AVIATES.
Here’s what each letter stands for:
A – Annual Inspection A complete inspection of the aircraft. Must be signed off by an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA). Due every 12 calendar months. V – VOR Checks Required only for IFR flight. Must be done every 30 days. Can be logged by the pilot, mechanic, or avionics shop. Record must include date, place, error, and signature. I – 100-Hour Inspection Similar to the annual inspection. Required only if the aircraft is used for hire (rental, training, commercial operations). Must be performed every 100 hours of flight time. Can be signed off by an A&P mechanic (IA not required). A – Airworthiness Directives (ADs) Issued by the FAA when a safety issue is found. Mandatory compliance is required—unlike service bulletins. Some are one-time; others are recurring. T – Transponder Required for flights in controlled airspace where a transponder is needed. Must be inspected and tested every 24 calendar months. E – ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) Checked every 12 calendar months. Battery must be replaced if: Used for more than 1 cumulative hour, or Reaches 50% of its useful life. S – Static System Also known as the altimeter and static system check. Required for IFR flight in controlled airspace. Must be inspected every 24 calendar months. Wrapping It Up The AVIATES acronym gives you a quick way to check if your airplane is legal to fly:
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