Progressive Inspection

Snuggle

Snuggle

Well-Known Member
I can't really find any definition of what a progressive inspection is. The FAR / AIM (91.409) only states the guidelines for a progressive inspection but I can't seem to find a definition anywhere. All I know is that it's an Approved Aircraft inspection Program and what the guidelines are as listed in 91.409. I'm looking for a basic definition and why someone would opt for a progressive inspection. What are the benefits to a progressive inspection? What is the point of it?

Any help would be much appreciated. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place but I can't find anything else besides 91.409.


Thanks in advance,

Snuggle
 
Basically, and I am sure someone with more A&P experience will correct me, a progressive inspection program lets you work the airplane for a set amount of hours before it goes in for an inspection. What is inspected depends on which phase it is in.

The advantage here is two fold. The biggest being the phase inspections are typically shorter than a single 100 hour inspection (less down time). The second, and probably the biggest benefit, is the airplane is being looked at by a mechanic more often.

If I remember correctly UNDs phase program was 4 phases at 20 or 25 hours between phases. If all 4 phases were completed in a 12 month period that was the annual (These airplanes typically completed the phase program multiple times per year).
 
My understanding ( I am not an A&P) is that it basically allows you to do different parts of the annual throughout the year instead of all at once. Or another way of explaining it would be just splitting up the annual into a few different work sessions instead of doing it all at once. Mainly used for airplanes that are being used quite a bit. Also I believe you need to be an IA to do this.

-Jason
 
They had progressive maintenance at FSA. Every 60 hours the airplanes went in for an oil change, so this is the time interval they used.

There were 4 phases. Each phase consisted of a detailed inspection of part of the aircraft and a less intensive check of some other systems. If you completed all 4 phases it counted as an annual inspection.

For a high use airplane it made sense. Instead of doing an oil change every 50 hours and a 100 hr inspection, they spread out everything so each airplane inspection takes less time, but the airplanes are being looked at more often. It also eliminates the time consuming annual by spreading it out over 4 phases.

The only downside is if you don't fly 240 hours per year in this case. Then you would still have to complete what ever unfinished phases needed to equal the annual.
 
ANANOMAN is correct that it becomes beneficial to aircraft that fly a lot. It works out well with a school that has a good scheduling program where aircraft can be monitored and flown as necessary to have a successful program. There is some leg work involved with starting a progressive inspection. The FAA needs to know/approve a progressive maintenance program. They will want the intervals, scope of inspection, record keeping...etc. An IA can either perfrom or supervise a progressive inspection.
Like others have mentioned, it's basically taking an annual inspection and breaking it up into segments. The aircraft is looked at more often and for shorter intervals, but the aircraft would be taken off of the schedule more throughout the year rather than at one time at the end of the year (annuals). Cessna has a progressive inspection set up for their newer models (C172 R/S) that have nicely detailed cards/pictures and inspection instructions, but it's not beneficial for every operation.
 
Thank for the help everyone, that really clears it up for me. :)
Looks like it would be beneficial for schools and other busy operations.

:tmyk:
 
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