Time limit for 200h revision

Hello Carlos

The chart in the MML is correct, it is how you are reading it that is wrong.  

First, every 100 hours you repeat the same items on that list.  

Second, every 200 hours you need to add items to the 100 hour specifically called out.  This would be for example the requirement to inspect the carburetors for wear.  (not an overhaul) 

Third, note that special checks are added at higher times that include the 100 hour plus the 200 hour checks as in the case of inspection of the gearbox.  

When your aircraft is 12 months old, regardless of hours, it requires an inspection, this is the 100 hour inspection.  The oil and filter change are important as there can be water accumulation just from seasonal changes and condensation.  The balance of the text in the page explains how you carry on.

Cheers 

Hi!

Thanks for your answer! I think however I did not explain my question well enough. I am aware maintenance checklists are cumulative, so 200h revision includes the 100h items + extra. That is clear. My question is:

Assume I fly very little (say 25h/y). One year passes, I do the annual (100h checklist). A second year passes, now I have flown 50h, I need to do another annual, should it be 100h again? My understanding is YES, it should, but I have seen some posts stating every other annual needs to be 200h, hence my doubt.

When I say 200h I mean all items in 100h + all items in 200h checklist. What to check on each revision "type" is clear to me, what I am dubious about is what "type" of revision to do on consecutive annual when the engine runs very little hours per year.

I hope I explained my question better this time. Thanks again!

Carlos

Carlos,

See page 2, Chapter 20-00 in the MML, it should help you understand.  Do all your maintenance based only upon hours, UNLESS the manual specifically states a calendar requirement (like the 100 hour inspection every 12 months or the five year rubber replacement), Also be aware of the special or abnormal circumstances- for example, if leaded fuel is used more than 30% of operating hours, more frequent oil changes and tank inspections are required. The MML also gives you a plus/minus tolerance in hours (and months). So to answer your question, if you only fly 25 hours per year, and don’t meet any of the special or abnormal requirements otherwise, then perform the 100 hour inspection every twelve months until reaching 200 hours. If your 200 hours coincides with 12 months since your last 100 hour inspection, then you would perform the 100 and the 200 hour inspections/actions. Note that If you reach 200 hours ten months after completing your last 100 hour/12 month calendar inspection, you could stop and perform both the 100 and 200 hour checks, resetting your 12 month window; or fly another two months to reach your original 12 month window, up to an additional ten flight hours beyond 200 (maximum) e.g. “fly it into annual” then complete the 100 and 200 hour items. Oh if your aircraft is certified such that you must use the manufacturer’s service intervals please clarify with them if different than the Rotax MML.

Every annual or 100 hour I do I log both in the logbook at the same time and that resets both times. So if I see an aircraft 2-3 times a year for the 100 hr, ect I also do and log the annual and vise a versa.  FAA was good with this. I use the Rotax and the Mfg's inspection checklist for every annual and fill them out. I sign everything off and if I touch it, tweak it, change it or replace it I annotate this in the margins. I give these to the owner. Then a standard logbook label is typed in #9 font and usually a full page long to document everything ( if I touch it, tweak it change it or replace it ).

You can technically do an annual condition inspection as often as you want and while you're at it add the Rotax inspection like the 100, 200 hr. ect.... All bases are covered for the engine, the fuselage, with the FAA, the insurance company and liability in court.

I come from a medical background so documentation is the only thing that will cover your butt. Bottom line the courts in the US say if you didn't write it or document it you didn't do it. I spent 30 years watching all kinds or professional's get burned to the ground because of lack of documentation.

USE CHECKLIST

Thanks Jin & Roger!

Nice explanations, and it is like I suspected from my understanding of the MML: all checks on hours except for a mandatory yearly 100h if hours not reached. I had just been misled from other posts (I can not find them now :S ) but all is clear now.

It is not a certified aircraft, so I am using Rotax intervals. In fact, for ultralights in Spain the only legal requirement is to have a defined (not even sent, you just declare that you have it) maintenance plan and store the documentation proving you adhere to it... which as you can do the maintenance yourself it is easy to get. This means each owner/operator follows different rules. But I am trying to stick to published procedures and service intervals as closely as I can, just for safety.

Thanks!

Carlos