3 Reasons Why Before-Flight Aircraft Inspections Are So Important
There are a lot of tools out there that make aircraft inspections easier, such as aviation borescopes that can be used to get a better look at various components of your aircraft. However, despite the fact that these tools are available, some pilots dread having to inspect their aircraft before they fly. There are a lot of reasons why before-flight aircraft inspections are so important, though, even for smaller aircraft. These are a few reasons why you should never skip the before-flight inspection, no matter how good of a condition your aircraft might be in or how short your flight is going to be.
1. They're Essential to Meet FAA Requirements
Not only is it suggested that you perform regular inspections of your aircraft, but it is required. The FAA has pretty strict regulations in place about how often you should inspect your aircraft and what you should look at when doing so. Failing to do so could result in you getting in serious trouble with the FAA. Therefore, it's critical to learn about the inspection requirements, perform regular inspections and document your inspections so that you can provide proof of them if necessary.
2. They Help You Save Money on Repairs
If you aren't regularly inspecting your aircraft, you won't be aware of the various problems that might be present and that might need to be addressed. Then, you can make repairs as-needed before they get too serious, allowing you to save money on repairs. Since keeping your aircraft in good condition can be expensive, it pays to do what you can to keep repair costs down.
3. They Help Prevent Accidents
The number one reason why before-flight aircraft inspections are so important is the fact that they help prevent accidents. Even if your aircraft is in overall good condition and even if you have inspected it recently, you never know if there could be just one faulty part that could cause a dangerous -- or even deadly -- accident. Plus, not only can an inspection help prevent these accidents, but it can help provide peace of mind for both pilots and passengers when the plane is in the air.
As you can see, before-flight inspections of your aircraft are not something that you should skip, no matter how short the trip might be. These are just a few reasons why it's worth it to invest in borescopes and other equipment so that you can perform thorough inspections each and every time that you plan on flying.