What is a Progressive Inspection Program (PIP) and who approves it?

What is a Progressive Inspection Program (PIP) and who approves it?

• A. A PIP is an ongoing inspection schedule divided into segments; it is approved by the IA and implemented under approved data and FAA guidelines.
• B. A PIP is a single annual inspection; approved by the aircraft owner.
• C. A PIP is a mandatory test flight plan; approved by the pilot in command.
• D. A PIP is an optional logbook entry standard; approved by the FAA regional director.

Answer: (A)

A Progressive Inspection Program is an ongoing plan that divides the aircraft’s typical annual inspection into a series of segments, so maintenance is performed over time while the aircraft remains in airworthy condition. It is approved by the Inspection Authorization (IA) and implemented using FAA-approved data and guidelines, with the FAA providing the framework and oversight. This approach isn’t a single yearly inspection, a mandatory test flight plan, or a mere logbook entry standard, and it requires formal approval and data backing rather than approval by the aircraft owner or a regional director.

A Progressive Inspection Program is an ongoing plan that divides the aircraft’s typical annual inspection into a series of segments, so maintenance is performed over time while the aircraft remains in airworthy condition. It is approved by the Inspection Authorization (IA) and implemented using FAA-approved data and guidelines, with the FAA providing the framework and oversight. This approach isn’t a single yearly inspection, a mandatory test flight plan, or a mere logbook entry standard, and it requires formal approval and data backing rather than approval by the aircraft owner or a regional director.