Glossary
Airframe Time
Total hours the aircraft structure has been in flight since manufacture or major rebuild.
Definition
Airframe time — often called Total Time in Service (TTIS) — is the cumulative number of hours an aircraft has been operated since it left the factory, or since a major structural overhaul was completed. It is tracked in the aircraft logbook and reported in hours.
Why it matters in a transaction
Airframe time is a primary factor in maintenance scheduling, resale value, and insurance underwriting. Many structural components have mandatory inspection or replacement intervals tied to airframe hours. High airframe time is not automatically a problem — a well-maintained high-time aircraft can be safer than a neglected low-time one — but it is the starting point for any serious evaluation.
What TailExchange can help you see
TailExchange displays airframe time when sellers include it in their listing. You can use this figure to compare aircraft within a search and to focus your research before reaching out to a seller.
What TailExchange cannot verify or replace
TailExchange cannot verify airframe time figures. The only reliable source is the physical aircraft logbook, reviewed in person by a qualified A&P mechanic or inspector. Always confirm airframe time during a prebuy inspection before committing to a purchase.
Related
Engine Time
Hours an aircraft engine has accumulated since new manufacture or its most recent overhaul.
Prebuy Inspection
An independent mechanical inspection performed by an A&P mechanic before an aircraft purchase.
Annual Inspection
An FAA-required annual airworthiness inspection that must be completed for an aircraft to remain legally airworthy.
Prebuy Inspection vs. Annual Inspection
What is the difference between a prebuy inspection and an annual inspection?
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