What inspections can a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic perform?

A certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic has the authority to perform a variety of inspections, with specific regulations guiding this ability. Among these, the mechanic can conduct 100-hour inspections, which are required for certain aircraft that are used for hire and have exceeded a flight time of 100 hours. Additionally, the mechanic is allowed to perform progressive inspections, which are an alternative to more traditional inspection schedules and can be tailored to an aircraft’s specific maintenance history and operational requirements.

The ability to conduct these inspections under certain circumstances offers flexibility in scheduling maintenance and allows operators to better manage their aircraft’s usage without compromising safety or maintenance standards. This authority stems from the mechanic's certification and the relevant regulations that govern the type of work they are allowed to perform, ensuring that safety and consistency in airworthiness are maintained.

Annual inspections, while critical, must be performed by an authorized inspection agency (like a certified repair station) or a fully licensed mechanic who may not specifically focus solely on annual inspections—hence characteristic restrictions on the scope of inspections based on certification types. Additionally, major repairs are a significant undertaking that requires FAA approval and may not be within the general purview of routine inspections performed by a typical A&P mechanic, though they