Continuous Inspections

Continuous inspection programs are similar to progressive inspection programs, except that they apply to large or turbine-powered aircraft and are therefore more complicated.

Like progressive inspection programs, they require approval by the FAA Administrator. The approval may be sought based upon the type of operation and the CFR parts under which the aircraft will be operated. The maintenance program for commercially operated aircraft must be detailed in the approved operations specifications (OpSpecs) of the commercial certificate holder.

Airlines utilize a continuous maintenance program that includes both routine and detailed inspections. However, the detailed inspections may include different levels of detail. Often referred to as “checks," the A-check, B-check, C-check, and D-checks involve increasing levels of detail. A-checks are the least comprehensive and occur frequently. D-checks, on the other hand, are extremely comprehensive, involving major disassembly, removal, overhaul, and inspection of systems and components. They might occur only three to six times during the service life of an aircraft.

Altimeter and Transponder Inspections

Aircraft that are operated in controlled airspace under instrument flight rules (IFR) must have each altimeter and static system tested in accordance with procedures described in 14 CFR part 43, appendix E, within the preceding 24 calendar months. Aircraft having an air traffic control (ATC) transponder must also have each transponder checked within the preceding 24 months. All these checks must be conducted by appropriately certified individuals.

ATA iSpec 2200

In an effort to standardize the format for the way in which maintenance information is presented in aircraft maintenance manuals, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) issued specifications for Manufacturers Technical Data. The original specification was called ATA Spec 100. Over the years, Spec 100 has been continuously revised and updated. Eventually, ATA Spec 2100 was developed for electronic documentation. These two specifications evolved into one document called ATA iSpec 2200. As a result of this standardization, maintenance technicians can always find information regarding a particular system in the same section of an aircraft maintenance manual, regardless of manufacturer. For example, if you are seeking information about the electrical system on any aircraft, you will always find that information in section (chapter) 24.

The ATA Specification 100 has the aircraft divided into systems, such as air conditioning, which covers the basic air conditioning system (ATA 21). Numbering in each major system provides an arrangement for breaking the system down into several subsystems. Late model aircraft, both over and under the 12,500 pound designation, have their parts manuals and maintenance manuals arranged according to the ATA coded system.

The following abbreviated table of ATA System, Subsystem, and Titles is included for familiarization purposes.

ATA Specification 100Systems

Sys.   Sub.   Title
21               AIR CONDITIONING
21      00      General
21      10      Compression
21      20      Distribution
21      30      Pressurization Control
21      40      Heating
21      50      Cooling
21      60      Temperature Control
21      70      Moisture/Air Contaminate Control

The remainder of this list shows the systems and title with subsystems deleted in the interest of brevity. Consult specific aircraft maintenance manuals for a complete description of the subsystems used in them.

22   AUTO FLIGHT
23   COMMUNICATIONS
24   ELECTRICAL POWER
25   EQUIPMENT/FURNISHINGS
26   FIRE PROTECTION
27   FLIGHT CONTROLS
28   FUEL
29   HYDRAULIC POWER
30   ICE AND RAIN PROTECTION
31   INDICATING/RECORDING SYSTEMS
32   LANDING GEAR
33   LIGHTS
34   NAVIGATION
35   OXYGEN
36   PNEUMATIC
37   VACUUM/PRESSURE
38   WATER/WASTE
39   ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC PANELS AND MULTIPURPOSE COMPONENTS
49   AIRBORNE AUXILIARY POWER
51   STRUCTURES
52   DOORS
53   FUSELAGE
54   NACELLES/PYLONS
55   STABILIZERS
56   WINDOWS
57   WINGS
61   PROPELLERS
65   ROTORS
71   POWERPLANT
72   (T) TURBINE/TURBOPROP
72   (R) ENGINE RECIPROCATING
73   ENGINE FUEL AND CONTROL
74   IGNITION
75   BLEED AIR
76   ENGINE CONTROLS
77   ENGINE INDICATING
78   ENGINE EXHAUST
79   ENGINE OIL
80   STARTING
81   TURBINES (RECIPROCATING ENG)
82   WATER INJECTION
83   REMOTE GEAR BOXES (ENG DR)

Keep in mind that not all aircraft will have all these systems installed. Small and simple aircraft have far fewer systems than larger more complex aircraft.

 
 
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