How much does a 100-hour inspection cost?
Updated · Wingman AeroCare, KFNL
Short answer: A 100-hour inspection usually costs about the same as an annual inspection on the same aircraft, because the required scope is the same (14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D). The cost is the inspection labor hours multiplied by the shop's hourly rate, plus any repairs you approve. At Wingman AeroCare, labor is billed hourly against an estimate you approve first, and we can estimate your specific aircraft on request.
Who needs a 100-hour inspection?
Under 14 CFR 91.409(b), a 100-hour inspection is required for an aircraft that:
- Carries any person (other than a crewmember) for hire, or
- Is provided by the person giving flight instruction for hire
Typical examples are flight school aircraft and rentals used for instruction. A privately owned aircraft used only by its owner, or one where the student provides the airplane, generally needs only an annual.
The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by up to 10 hours to reach a place where the inspection can be done, but the excess time counts toward the next 100 hours (14 CFR 91.409(b)). An annual inspection can be used in place of a 100-hour inspection, but not the other way around.
What drives the cost?
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Aircraft complexity | Retractable gear, turbocharging, twin engines, and more complex systems mean more inspection hours |
| Access | Number of panels, cowlings, and inspection plates that must be removed and reinstalled |
| Condition | Corrosion, leaks, and wear add time to inspect and document |
| Recurring ADs | Inspections due at 100-hour intervals add time |
| Records quality | Clean, organized records are faster to review |
| Repairs found | The biggest variable; each item is priced separately |
How to estimate labor
Inspection hours vary widely by make, model, and condition, so the most useful estimate is simple arithmetic: inspection hours x the shop's hourly rate, plus approved repairs. As typical industry ranges, not quotes:
| Aircraft type | Typical inspection labor |
|---|---|
| Simple fixed-gear single (for example, Cessna 172 or Piper PA-28) | About 12-20 hours, similar to an annual on the same aircraft |
| Complex or high-performance single (retractable gear, turbocharging, constant-speed prop) | Moderately more |
| Light twin | Substantially more, since there are two engines and more systems |
Your actual hours depend on your aircraft, its condition, and its records. The most reliable number is an estimate for your specific tail number.
What is not included in the inspection price?
The inspection covers inspecting and documenting the aircraft. Repairs are separate:
- Parts and labor for any discrepancies found
- AD compliance work beyond the inspection itself
- Oil, filters, and consumables (depending on the shop)
- Transponder, pitot-static, and ELT checks, which have their own intervals
100-hour vs. annual: is there a cost difference?
The inspection scope is the same, so the labor is often similar. The main differences are who may sign (a 100-hour can be approved for return to service by an A&P; an annual requires an IA) and the reason for doing it. For an aircraft used for hire, the 100-hour clock often drives more frequent inspections, which spreads maintenance across the year. See annual vs. 100-hour inspections.
How do I keep 100-hour costs predictable?
- Fix small squawks between inspections instead of letting them pile up
- Track recurring ADs so they are scheduled into the inspection
- Use oil analysis to catch engine trends early
- Keep records organized and AD lists current
How Wingman handles it
At Wingman AeroCare, 100-hour inspections are performed by a certificated A&P mechanic, with typical turnaround of 3-5 business days, assuming no major findings and parts availability. We collect a deposit based on estimated hours up front, then settle it against actual hours. Every finding goes on an online estimate with photos and video, labeled Airworthy, Recommended, or Optional, and you approve each item individually. Labor is billed hourly against an estimate you approve first. For an estimate on your specific aircraft, contact us or see 100-hour inspections.