How long does an annual inspection take?
Updated · Wingman AeroCare, KFNL
Short answer: For a typical piston single, an annual inspection usually takes about one to two weeks from drop-off to pickup, though a clean, well-kept aircraft at a well-organized shop can be done in less. The hands-on inspection labor is commonly 12-35+ hours depending on the aircraft. What stretches the timeline is almost never the inspection itself; it is waiting on repair approvals and parts.
Why does an annual take days if the labor is only hours?
An annual moves through distinct stages, and several of them involve waiting:
- Open-up and inspection. Panels, fairings, interior pieces, and cowlings come off; the aircraft is cleaned and inspected to at least the scope of 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D. Records and AD compliance are reviewed.
- Discrepancy list and estimate. Findings are written up and priced.
- Owner approval. The owner decides which items to fix. A slow response here is one of the most common sources of delay.
- Parts. Common parts may arrive in a day or two. Cylinders, specialty Cirrus or Beechcraft parts, or backordered items can take much longer.
- Repairs and AD compliance. The approved work gets done.
- Close-up, engine run, and sign-off. 14 CFR 43.15(c)(2) requires an engine run checking power, magnetos, pressures, and temperatures before return to service. Logbook entries are made under 14 CFR 43.11.
Typical time by aircraft type
These are rough industry ranges for inspection labor only. They vary with condition and equipment.
| Aircraft class | Examples | Typical inspection labor |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-gear 4-cylinder single | Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 | About 12-20 hours |
| High-performance or retractable single | Cirrus SR22, Bonanza, PA-46 piston | About 20-35+ hours |
| Light piston twin | Beechcraft Baron | About 30-50+ hours |
Calendar time depends on how many technicians work the aircraft, the shop's schedule, and the findings.
What makes an annual take longer?
- Major findings: a cylinder with low compression or a burned valve, corrosion, cracked exhaust components, or structural issues.
- Parts availability: backorders and shipping delays.
- Slow approvals: the shop cannot start repairs or order parts until the owner says yes.
- Records research: missing Form 337s, unclear AD status, or undocumented alterations.
- New ADs: an AD issued since the last inspection may require additional work.
- Partner work: if something must go out for overhaul (a propeller, a magneto, an engine), that adds the partner shop's turnaround.
- First visit: the first annual at a new shop usually takes longer while the shop builds a baseline on the aircraft.
How can I shorten the downtime?
- Book ahead. Spring and early summer fill up quickly as owners prepare for flying season.
- Send your squawk list in advance so likely parts can be identified early.
- Have your logbooks organized and deliver them with the aircraft. See how to prepare for an annual.
- Respond quickly to the estimate. Same-day approval often saves days.
- Decide your approval approach ahead of time, for example, which kinds of findings (such as every Airworthy item) you will approve, and have payment ready, so you can approve and pay the day the estimate arrives.
Does the timing affect when my next annual is due?
The annual is due by the end of the 12th calendar month after the month of the last annual (14 CFR 91.409(a)). An annual signed off on May 3 is due by May 31 of the following year, and so is one signed off on May 29. Scheduling early in your due month, or a few weeks before it, gives you a cushion if repairs run long, without giving up much of your inspection window.
How Wingman handles it
At Wingman AeroCare, typical turnaround is 4-7 business days for an annual and 3-5 business days for a 100-hour, assuming no major findings and parts availability. Annuals are typically booked a few weeks ahead, so call for the next open slot. Findings go on an online estimate with photos and video that you can approve item by item from your phone, which keeps the approval stage short. Learn more about our annual inspections or call (970) 292-0719.