Each year, aircraft owners face the ritual of an annual inspection—a deep dive into the condition of their airplane, required by the FAA to ensure it remains safe to fly. It’s a comprehensive process where an A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) mechanic with an inspection authorization (IA) meticulously examines the aircraft from nose to tail, ensuring everything is in top shape. This includes pulling out the interior of the fuselage to inspect the structure and pully systems, swinging the landing gear to ensure all aspects are working within the manufacture’s limits, and doing a detailed overview of the engine to ensure it is function properly. It is a meticulous process that can often take several days of work.

But as I went through an annual recently, I couldn’t help but notice the parallel to business. Just like an airplane, a company can’t afford to just “wing it” indefinitely. Without regular, structured evaluations, small issues become big ones, inefficiencies pile up, and sooner or later, things stop working the way they should.

The Inspection Process: Airplanes vs. Business

In aviation, the annual inspection consists of:
✅ A detailed checklist covering everything from airframe to avionics
✅ A search for hidden problems—corrosion, worn-out components, loose connections
✅ A review of past maintenance logs and upcoming compliance requirements
✅ A test flight to confirm everything works as expected

Now, apply that same process to a business:
✅ Structural check: Are the core systems (operations, finance, sales) solid?
✅ Hidden issues: Are there inefficiencies, outdated processes, or employee concerns that need attention?
✅ Compliance review: Are you in line with regulations, industry standards, and best practices?
✅ Test flight: If you make changes, do they actually improve performance?

The Cost of Neglect

Just like skipping an annual could lead to catastrophic failure in an airplane, ignoring regular business checkups can lead to burnout, inefficiencies, lost revenue, or even failure. An airplane doesn’t give you a warning light when it’s about to become un-airworthy—you have to inspect proactively to catch issues before they ground you.

Making It a Habit

In both aviation and business, waiting for problems to show up is a terrible strategy. Instead:

🔹 Schedule annual (or quarterly) reviews of your business, just like an aircraft inspection.
🔹 Keep detailed records of what’s working and what’s not—don’t rely on memory.
🔹 Have an outside expert (a mentor, advisor, or consultant) review your operations, just like an IA signs off on an aircraft.
🔹 Don’t just check the boxes—test your systems to ensure they actually perform under real conditions.

Conclusion

An airplane that isn’t properly inspected is a liability, not an asset. The same is true for a business that operates without periodic, objective checkups. By treating your business like an airplane—maintaining, inspecting, and fine-tuning it—you keep it running efficiently, safely, and ready for any adventure ahead.

So, when’s the last time your business had its annual inspection?