Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The FAA has issued an Information for Operators (<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USAFAA/2026/09/15/file_attachments/3780923/InFO26015.pdf">InFO 26015</a>) that warns pilots that they aren’t allowed to perform inspections under 14 CFR Part 43 of the FAA regulations. Part 43 covers approval for return to service and applies to qualified maintenance technicians.
According to the FAA, it “has identified manufacturer’s manuals stating that pilots may perform certain inspections if trained and authorized by local authorities (or similar statements). This has resulted in pilots performing inspections on United States (U.S.)-registered aircraft.”
However, inspections, as defined in 14 CFR Part 1, the FAA explained, “require approval or disapproval for return to service in accordance with § 43.11. Section 43.3 does not authorize pilots to perform inspections, nor does a pilot certificate authorize its holder to determine airworthiness or to approve for return to service an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component under § 43.11.”
There are limited maintenance actions that pilots are allowed to perform under Section 43.3, such as preventive maintenance, removal and reinstallation of cabin oxygen bottles, cabin seat swaps for Part 135 aircraft with nine or fewer seats, and avionics database updates. Preflight inspections “are operational checks and do not constitute inspections under 14 CFR Part 43,” according to the FAA.
“Manufacturer’s manuals may suggest pilots have broader authority to perform inspections, but these statements do not supersede requirements under 14 CFR.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

FAA Cautions That Maintenance Manual-guided Inspections Be Done by Mechanics

Information for Operators clarifies what pilots can and can’t do

The only “inspection” that pilots can perform is preflight checks, and these “are operational checks and do not constitute inspections under 14 CFR Part 43,” according to the FAA.

FAA Cautions That Inspections Be Done by Mechanics

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

MRO capabilities include interiors, avionics, paint, propellers, engines, and mobile support

Midwest Epic E1000 Operators Gain Wichita Service Option

Curt Epstein

Kit covers the full line of Daher’s TBM turboprop singles

Tanis Aircraft Wins STC for TBM Family Preheat Kit

The facility has become a vital cog in the airframer's service infrastructure

Dassault Celebrates Decade of Mx Service at Mérignac

Pryor Field Regional Airport now runs both an FBO and MRO

Alabama Airport Stands Up Bizav Aircraft Maintenance Shop

The interactive map shows operators where to find 24/7 assistance

West Star Aviation Introduces Online AOG Technician Map

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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