Recording of Last Week’s Webinar on Inspection and Maintenance Requirements for Large Aircraft Now Available Online

Last week NAAA hosted a webinar to help operators and mechanics understand inspection and maintenance requirements for large ag aircraft. Interest in the topic is the result of a recent change in how FAA interprets the FARs. There were three guests who participated on a panel to discuss the new requirements and answer questions from the attendees. Their contact information is included in the event you still have questions.

A full recording the webinar can be viewed here. Following is a summary of the key points made during the webinar:

  • 14 CFR 1.1 defines “large aircraft” as having a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds.
    • Regarding inspections, this means the AT-802/AT-802A is covered under §91.409(e) which requires an OEM Inspection Program (as detailed in the owner’s manual), not an annual inspection. Therefore AT-802/AT-802A aircraft must log 12-month inspections instead of “Annual” inspections.
  • For 100-, 200-, and 300-hour inspections on AT-802/AT-802A:
    • Air Tractor suggests (i.e. optional – not required) you do them at the suggested time intervals.
    • You are required to do them once a year in conjunction with the 12-Month inspection.
    • Check your congested area plan to see if you agreed to 100-hour inspections.
  • Engine and prop overhauls – §91.409(e) requires you to perform inspections in accordance with the inspection program, not overhauls.
    • Hot Section Inspection (HSI) is mandatory.
    • Inspections of propeller and engine must be done at the intervals specified by Hartzell and Pratt & Whitney.
    • Engine overhaul at Pratt & Whitney recommended TBO is not mandatory.
  • Legally the 12-month inspection can be conducted by an A&P; an IA is not required.
  • Air Tractor strongly encourages the 12-month inspection be conducted by an IA.
  • All AT-802/AT-802A should contact their local FSDO to discuss these changes and how to move forward regarding inspections.
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