Aircraft Safety Checks: A Comprehensive Guide Made Simple

Published February 6, 2025

Aircraft safety checks are key to keeping planes safe, efficient, and ready to fly. These inspections help identify issues before they become serious problems, ensure compliance with aviation rules, and keep everyone onboard safe. Understanding how safety checks work is essential whether you’re a pilot, aircraft owner, or aviation pro.

This guide breaks down why safety checks matter, what types there are, and how to perform them effectively. 

Why Aircraft Safety Checks Are Important

Planes operate in tough environments. They face extreme weather, high speeds, and long wear and tear. Even small issues can quickly escalate if ignored. Safety checks are designed to catch these problems early on.

Here’s why they’re non-negotiable in aviation:

• Spot Problems Early: A loose bolt or worn tire may seem minor but can snowball if it’s not fixed.
• Keep Planes Running Smoothly: Regular inspections help the aircraft perform better and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
• Stay Legal: Aviation authorities, like the FAA, require strict maintenance schedules to keep planes airworthy.
• Protect Lives: Above all, these checks keep passengers, pilots, and crew safe in the sky.

Skipping inspections could mean risking lives, failing regulations, or facing costly repairs later. Staying on top of your checks saves time, money, and worry.

Types of Aircraft Inspections

Not all safety checks are the same. Inspections vary based on when they’re done, how detailed they are, and why they’re needed. Here’s an overview of the main types.

1. Pre-Flight Inspections

Before every takeoff, pilots or crew perform a pre-flight inspection. This quick yet thorough check ensures the plane is ready to go.

What’s Included:

• Visually inspecting the exterior for damage or wear.
• Checking fuel levels, oil, and other necessary fluids.
• Testing cockpit instruments to make sure they’re working properly.
• Verifying tires, brakes, and control surfaces are in good condition.

Why It Matters: Think of it like checking your car before a long road trip. A quick look can reveal leaks, loose parts, or anything that could go wrong in flight.

For example, if a pilot notices a crack in the windshield during a pre-flight check, they can address it on the ground—avoiding a mid-air emergency.

2. Daily Inspections

Aircraft that fly multiple times in one day need daily inspections, also called “turnaround checks.” These happen after each flight or at the start of the day.

What’s Included:

• Inspecting tires, brakes, and landing gear for wear.
• Checking hydraulic fluid levels and oil.
• Scanning for surface damage.

Why It Matters: Imagine a commercial jet landing after several busy flights. A daily check ensures it’s still in top shape before the next takeoff. It prevents small issues from piling up over a long day.

3. Periodic Inspections

These are scheduled, more in-depth inspections done at specific intervals. They keep the aircraft healthy over time and are often tied to flight hours.

Common Types:

• 50-Hour Inspections: Focuses on key systems like the engine and propeller.
• 100-Hour Inspections: A detailed review of the entire aircraft, from the airframe to electrical systems and avionics.

Why It Matters: Periodic inspections dig deeper to unearth hidden problems. For example, a technician might remove an engine cover during a 100-hour check to find possible oil leaks or worn components.

4. Special Inspections

Not every inspection follows a schedule. Special inspections occur when unusual events happen, such as a lightning strike, hard landing, or long-term storage.

What’s Included:

• Focusing on areas likely affected by the event, like avionics systems after a lightning strike.
• Confirming the plane is safe to operate again.

Why It Matters: If a plane’s been sitting in a hangar for months, its systems need extra attention. Special inspections make sure wear-and-tear, storage conditions or unexpected events haven’t caused unseen damage.