What Is an Annual Inspection?
An annual inspection is a comprehensive airworthiness review required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for all general aviation aircraft operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The inspection must be completed every 12 calendar months — not 12 flight hours, but 12 months on the calendar. An aircraft that is not current on its annual inspection is not legally airworthy and cannot be flown.
Definition: An annual inspection is a thorough examination of an aircraft's airframe, engine, propeller, and systems by an FAA-certificated Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA). The inspection must confirm the aircraft meets all applicable FAA airworthiness standards before it can return to service.
What Does an Annual Inspection Cover?
A properly conducted annual inspection examines every major system of the aircraft, including:
- Airframe and structure — fuselage, wings, control surfaces, landing gear, and all structural components for cracks, corrosion, or damage
- Engine and accessories — compression checks on all cylinders, magneto timing, carburetor or fuel injection system, exhaust system, and engine mounts
- Propeller — blade condition, hub integrity, and spinner
- Fuel system — tanks, lines, caps, vents, and fuel selector valve
- Electrical system — battery, alternator, wiring, lights, and avionics
- Flight controls — cables, pulleys, hinges, and range of motion
- Instruments — pitot-static system, altimeter, airspeed indicator, and required placards
- Landing gear — struts, tires, brakes, and wheel bearings
How Long Does an Annual Inspection Take?
For a typical single-engine piston aircraft in good condition — such as a Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee — an annual inspection generally takes 2 to 5 business days. Aircraft that have deferred maintenance items, significant corrosion, or required repairs may take longer. At Paragon Flight, we communicate transparently throughout the process so you always know where your aircraft stands.
What Does an Annual Inspection Cost?
Annual inspection costs vary significantly based on aircraft type, age, condition, and what discrepancies are found. The inspection itself (labor) typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 for a single-engine piston aircraft. However, if the mechanic discovers items that need repair — worn brake pads, a leaking gasket, a cracked exhaust stack — those repairs are billed separately. Because Paragon Flight stocks many common AOG parts (tires, filters, brakes, batteries), we can often complete repairs the same day without waiting for parts.
Who Can Perform an Annual Inspection?
Only an A&P mechanic who holds an Inspection Authorization (IA) issued by the FAA can sign off an annual inspection. A standard A&P mechanic can perform the work, but an IA holder must conduct the final inspection and return the aircraft to service. All Paragon Flight mechanics are FAA-certificated A&P technicians with extensive experience on Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and Cirrus piston aircraft.
What Happens If My Annual Is Overdue?
If your aircraft's annual inspection has expired, the aircraft is considered not airworthy under FAR 91.409. Flying an aircraft with an expired annual is a violation of federal aviation regulations and can result in certificate action, fines, and — more importantly — serious safety risk. If your annual is coming due, contact Paragon Flight at any of our three locations to schedule your inspection promptly.
Paragon Flight provides annual inspections at three locations: Page Field in Fort Myers, FL (KFMY), Punta Gorda Airport in Punta Gorda, FL (KPGD), and LaGrange Callaway Airport in LaGrange, GA (KLGC). Call us at (239) 274-3170 to schedule.