Aircraft Maintenance & Inspection Schedules for Buyers

As an aircraft owner, you’re responsible for keeping your aircraft in airworthy condition. It’s not just a good business practice. It’s required by federal regulations. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) develops and standardizes rules regarding aircraft procedures and schedules. Those rules also cover how your work should be documented. 

Per those rules, your jet should be inspected often, including before and after your trips, on an hourly schedule, annually, and more. You must also make repairs based on problems found in those inspections. 

Your Maintenance Responsibilities as a Jet Owner 

Circulars from the FAA outline what owners must do to keep their aircraft in good working order. In general, those rules require owners to do things like comply with airworthiness standards, make repairs, monitor components, and track the work. 

As a jet owner, you’re not required to do this work alone. In fact, to take some of these steps properly, you’ll need a qualified mechanic. 

However, you are responsible for ensuring that the work is done and that each step complies with the appropriate rules and regulations. 

This table summarizes your responsibilities: 

Responsibility area	owner duties
Regulatory Compliance	Ensure compliance with FAA/EASA regulations, airworthiness directives (ADs), and continuing airworthiness requirements
Recordkeeping	Maintain accurate, up-to-date maintenance logs, flight hours, service records, and compliance documentation
Scheduled Inspections	Coordinate required inspections (e.g., annual, 100-hour, phase, hourly, or calendar-based inspections)
Unscheduled Repairs	Promptly address mechanical issues, discrepancies, or Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events
Maintenance Provider Oversight	Vet, select, and manage certified repair stations, MROs, and independent A&P/IA technicians
Maintenance Budgeting	Forecast and allocate funds for both scheduled maintenance and unexpected repairs or replacements
Program Enrollment	Evaluate and manage enrollment in maintenance support programs (e.g., JSSI, MSP, PowerAdvantage+)
Service Bulleting & AD Compliance	Monitor and ensure timely compliance with mandatory Airworthiness Directives and applicable Service Bulletins
Avionic & Software Updates	Schedule, approve, and document updates for avionics systems, databases, and software (e.g., FMS, TCAS, charts)
Parts & Component Tracking	Monitor flight hours, engine cycles, and life-limited parts for time, cycle, or calendar-based replacement intervals
Insurance & Risk Management	Ensure maintenance practices align with insurance policy terms and reduce exposure to liability or claim denial
Pre-Sale Preparation	Organize and present complete maintenance history, logbooks, and airworthiness documentation to support aircraft resale or pre-buy inspections

FAA Maintenance Requirements for Private Jets

Regular maintenance allows jet owners to spot and correct problems before they become life-threatening accidents. Since maintenance is so important, the FAA has developed detailed requirements that owners must follow. 

These rules cover things like how often aircraft should be inspected and maintained, and they outline who can work on jets. 

FAA rules are largely split into two categories. One is made for jets that are used privately, and the other is for chartered or commercial jets. This table summarizes their differences and similarities:

category	Part 90 (Private)	part 135 (charter/commercial)
Maintenance Program	Follow manufacturer’s recommended program or custom schedule (not FAA-approved)	FAA-approved maintenance program required (e.g., AAIP, CAMP, or manufacturer program)
Inspection Program	Use manufacturer’s intervals or develop a customized inspection plan	FAA-approved inspection program mandatory
Required Inspections	Annual inspection (all aircraft) or progressive inspection program	FAA-mandated phase inspections; 100-hour inspections only apply to aircraft used under Part 91 for hire
Airworthiness Directives	Must comply with all ADs; tracking is operator’s responsibility	Must comply with all ADs; compliance must be formally documented and auditable
Maintenance Personnel	A&P mechanics; IA required for annual inspections	Must use A&P-certified mechanics; certain tasks require FAA-certified repair stations or approved vendors
Maintenance Records	Maintain logbooks of inspections, repairs, and AD compliance	Maintain detailed logs of all maintenance, including ADs, inspections, MEL deferrals, and time-limited parts
Minimum Equipment List	Optional; must be FAA-approved and aircraft-specific if used	Required to defer inoperative items; must be FAA-approved and followed precisely
Deferred Maintenance	Allowed at operator’s discretion for non-airworthiness items; must be documented	Strict MEL/CDL procedures must be followed; deferred items must be tracked and resolved
Time-Limited Components	Tracking encouraged but not regulated	Mandatory tracking of all life-limited/time-controlled parts (e.g., engines, propellers, landing gear)
Weight & Balance Updates	Must update W&B after equipment changes or modifications	Required updates after any change that affects weight and balance; documentation must be kept current
Maintenance Control System	Not required	Required to track maintenance status, discrepancies, ADs, inspections, and parts
Flight Data Monitoring	Not required	Not required, but commonly used by larger Part 135 operators to enhance safety and performance

Private Jet Maintenance Schedules

Several different types of jet maintenance are required. Each one has a different schedule and follows unique rules. Here’s what you need to know about each type: 

Daily Maintenance

This type of inspection is completed before takeoff. The goal of this check is to ensure that the jet can take off and land safely and that the plane can fly to its destination without mechanical problems. 

Since this inspection happens frequently, it’s relatively brief. The team focuses on things like the hull, fluid levels, and tire pressure. 

Hourly Maintenance Inspections 

This type of inspection occurs after the aircraft has been in the air for 100 hours. The severity of the inspection is additive, so it takes longer and involves more as time goes on. 

A typical schedule involves these items per 100 hours:

• 100: engine, oil levels, filters, landing gear, and basic airframe
• 200: electrical system, air conditioning, and hydraulics 
• 400: airframe, avionics, components, and parts 
• 600: fuel and pressurization systems 
• 800: partial disassembly and engine performance

At the 600-hour and 800-hour levels, the team typically needs to replace parts and/or overhaul some components. 

Annual Inspections 

Once yearly, a thorough inspection is required. Mechanics check the structural integrity of the jet and its engine, and they check the associated paperwork that proves the owner has completed repairs on time. 

Mechanics who do this work are certified by the FAA. When they’re satisfied with the jet, they issue an Airworthiness Release or Return to Service Statement.

Phase Checks 

While some jet owners follow a traditional schedule and agree to have their planes grounded during major inspections, others need more flexibility. These owners may use phase checks instead. 

Phase checks allow owners to spread out their inspections over time, focusing on just one system. Owners can ensure the jet is compliant without a long inspection. 

Choosing a Trusted Maintenance Provider 

The mechanic you choose plays an important role in the safety and compliance of your jet. It makes sense to ask questions before you let someone take on such a critical role in your organization. 

Good steps to take include the following:

• Check the paperwork. Your mechanic should be certified by the FAA and have an appropriate business license and associated insurance. 
• Examine the location. Your mechanic should have an appropriate space in which to examine your jet and make repairs. It should be easy for you to get to, but the area should remain secure while your jet is there. 
• Ask about availability. Your professional should have the time and capacity to maintain your jet and keep you involved at all times. Ensure your professional can also provide you with good references. 
• Confirm their policies. Ask about your partner’s quality control processes and safety certifications. They should have a strong commitment to safety and customer service.

Should You Consider a Private Jet Maintenance Program?

A private jet maintenance program could be a good option for busy professionals who need help developing and maintaining a safety program. 

In this type of program, you hire someone who can create a schedule for your jet. This professional can also perform your necessary inspections and make repairs as needed. With one contract, your maintenance work is complete. 

Types of Private Jet Maintenance Programs 

Several different types of jet maintenance programs exist. Some are focused solely on a jet component (such as an auxiliary power unit), and others are comprehensive and cover everything. 

This table outlines how these programs work and what they cover:

program type	covers	typical providers
Engine Programs	Scheduled and unscheduled engine maintenance, parts, labor, line repairs, overhauls	Rolls-Royce CorporateCare, Honeywell MSP (Mechanical Service Plan), Pratt & Whitney ESP (Eagle Service Plan), JSSI
APU Programs	Scheduled and unscheduled APU maintenance, parts, labor, and overhauls	Honeywell MSP APU, JSSI
Airframe Programs	Structural maintenance, scheduled inspections, systems servicing, labor	OEMs (e.g., Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier), JSSI Airframe
Avionics Programs	Avionics component repairs, software updates, troubleshooting support	Collins Aerospace CASP (Customer Assurance Support Program), Honeywell Avionics Protection Plan
Comprehensive Programs	Bundled coverage for engines, APU, airframe, and avionics (optional add-ons like landing gear)	JSSI Complete, OEM Total Care plans (e.g., Bombardier Smart Services, Dassault FalconCare)

Pros & Cons of Jet Maintenance Programs 

An aircraft maintenance program could be a good choice for you, but it pays to weigh the pros and cons before you get started. This table can help you make a smart decision:

pros	cons
Predictable Budgeting – Spreads out maintenance costs, aiding financial planning	Costly if Underutilized – May not be cost-effective if the aircraft is flown infrequently
Higher Resale Value – Enrolled aircraft typically sell faster and command higher prices	Transferability Limits – Some programs require fees or approval to transfer to a new owner
Reduced Downtime – Priority parts access and faster maintenance turnaround	Coverage Exclusions – Normal wear, corrosion, or specific items may not be covered
Improved Recordkeeping – Program administrators often provide detailed service histories and compliance tracking	Long-Term Commitment – Some plans require multi-year agreements or charge early-exit fees
Peace of Mind – Helps mitigate the financial risk of unexpected failures or major repairs	OEM Network Restrictions – Some plans mandate use of specific OEM-authorized facilities
Simplified Regulatory Compliance – Assists in staying current with FAA/EASA mandates	Reduced Flexibility – Independent shops or preferred MROs may not be accepted under the plan

Tips for Keeping a Well-Organized Maintenance Log

A maintenance log is a record of the inspections you’ve performed and the repairs you’ve made. This record can help you prove you comply with rules and regulations. It can also be a critical tool to use if you want to sell your aircraft. 

Good tips for keeping an organized log include the following:

• Record all of your work immediately. 
• Keep the entries in chronological order. 
• Separate log sections for easier reading.
• Record any maintenance you’ve deferred.
• Include supporting documents, when needed, to explain your decisions. 
• Back up all records.

Typical Private Jet Maintenance Costs

Maintaining a jet is a financial commitment. Your costs will include those involving inspections and those involving repairs. 

In general, older and larger planes are more expensive to maintain than newer and smaller versions. However, sophisticated systems in newer planes can cost more to fix. This detailed guide about maintenance costs can help you understand those differences. 

Other Maintenance Considerations for Jet Owners 

Jet owners know they must pay close attention to their maintenance requirements and make needed repairs. However, many people make mistakes. 

Common pitfalls that trip up jet owners include the following:

• Skipping or delaying scheduled maintenance
• Adjusting the required maintenance program 
• Keeping poor or nonexistent records 
• Ignoring service bulletins or airworthiness directives 
• Using uncertified mechanics 
• Not budgeting for a comprehensive program 
• Overlooking small problems (and letting them grow) 
• Not planning for required avionics upgrades

A dedicated mechanic should help you avoid these common problems and talk with you when you’re about to make a mistake. 

Finding a Trusted Partner to Purchase a Jet 

At Element Aviation, we specialize in helping people just like you to make good purchase decisions. We can help you find the right jet that meets your needs and smooth the purchase process as well.

Contact us to find out more about aircraft sales.