Aircraft Annual Inspection: What's Included and What to Expect

Everything aircraft owners need to know about the annual inspection — what's required, what mechanics check, typical costs, and how to get the most out of your annual.

Aircraft Annual Inspection: What's Included and What to Expect

For privately-owned GA aircraft, the annual inspection is the most significant recurring maintenance event of the year. It's required by FAA regulations every 12 calendar months, and it's the moment when a certificated A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA) examines the entire aircraft and determines whether it meets airworthiness standards.

For new aircraft owners especially, the annual can feel opaque — you drop off your plane and get back a bill and a list of squawks. This guide explains what actually happens during an annual, what it typically costs, and how to be a better-informed owner.

Legal Requirements

Under 14 CFR Part 91.409, no person may operate a large aircraft (unless it's operated under Part 91.409(b) through (e)), a turbine-powered multiengine airplane, or a turbine-powered rotorcraft unless within the preceding 12 calendar months it has had an annual inspection.

For most private GA aircraft, the 12-calendar-month requirement means if your annual was signed off in March 2025, it expires at the end of March 2026 — regardless of how many hours were flown.

Only an A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization (IA) rating can sign off an annual inspection. A regular A&P without IA can perform the work but not approve the aircraft for return to service.

What the Annual Inspection Covers

The scope of an annual inspection is defined in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D, which specifies what must be inspected. In practice, a thorough annual on a typical GA aircraft includes:

Airframe inspection:

  • All structural components for cracks, corrosion, and damage
  • Control surfaces and control system for proper rigging and wear
  • Landing gear, wheels, brakes, and tires
  • Fuel system including tanks, lines, caps, and vents
  • Electrical system including wiring, avionics, and lighting
  • Instruments and pitot-static system
  • Emergency equipment (ELT, fire extinguisher)

Engine inspection:

  • Compression check on all cylinders
  • Magneto timing and condition
  • Carburetor or fuel injection system
  • Oil system — oil change typically performed during annual
  • Engine mounts, baffles, and exhaust system
  • Accessories: alternator, starter, vacuum pump

Propeller inspection:

  • Propeller condition for nicks, cracks, and damage
  • Hub and spinner
  • Prop governor (if applicable)

AD compliance review:

  • Check all applicable ADs to ensure recurring items are current

Typical Costs

Annual inspection costs vary widely based on aircraft type, geographic location, and the shop you use. For a typical single-engine piston GA aircraft:

Labor for the inspection itself: $500–$1,500 for a straightforward aircraft with no major squawks. This is the mechanic's time to inspect the aircraft and complete the paperwork.

Oil change: $100–$200 including filter and oil.

Squawks: Any airworthiness items found during the inspection must be repaired before the aircraft can be returned to service. Squawks are where costs can escalate significantly. A simple annual can turn into a $5,000+ event if there are hidden issues.

Average total cost: Plan for $1,000–$2,500 for a straightforward single-engine aircraft annual. Budget higher for complex, retractable, or turbocharged aircraft.

How to Prepare for Your Annual

Keep up with maintenance year-round: The annual is much cheaper when the aircraft has been properly maintained between annuals. Fix squawks as they arise rather than letting them accumulate.

Bring organized logbooks: A complete, well-organized set of logbooks makes the IA's job easier and reduces labor hours. If your logbooks are a mess, spend time organizing them before the annual.

Know your ADs: Have a current AD compliance record ready. Aeradex Hangar tracks this automatically.

Choose the right shop: Not all annuals are created equal. A good IA who knows your specific aircraft type will find things that a less experienced mechanic might miss — which is actually good, even if it means more squawks.

Get a squawk estimate before authorizing repairs: When the IA finds squawks, get an estimate before authorizing work. For expensive repairs, it's reasonable to get a second opinion.

Tracking Your Annual in Aeradex

Aeradex Hangar tracks your aircraft's last annual date and alerts you when the next annual is approaching. The maintenance log lets you record the annual entry with shop information, tach time, and notes — keeping a complete digital record alongside your physical logbooks.