Yes, private planes are subject to stringent and mandatory inspections regulated by national aviation authorities like the FAA (USA) or EASA (Europe). In 2026, even the smallest private aircraft must undergo an Annual Inspection every 12 calendar months, performed by a certified mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA). If the plane is used for hire (like a private charter), it must also undergo a 100-hour inspection for every 100 hours of flight time. These inspections cover everything from engine compression and flight controls to the integrity of the airframe and the functionality of the avionics. Additionally, pilots are legally required to perform a "pre-flight inspection" before every single takeoff, physically checking fuel, oil, and external surfaces for damage. Failure to comply with these maintenance schedules results in the aircraft being grounded and its airworthiness certificate being revoked, ensuring that "general aviation" maintains a high safety standard comparable to commercial airlines.