After how many days of inactivity is a functional check flight required for returning an aircraft to flight status?

A functional check flight is required after an aircraft has been inactive for 30 days. This protocol ensures that the aircraft is in proper working condition before it returns to flight operations. During the check flight, various systems and components are tested to verify their functionality, which is critical for maintaining safety standards and operational readiness.

The 30-day threshold is established to account for the potential issues that could arise from prolonged inactivity, such as the degradation of fluids or potential malfunctioning of equipment due to lack of use. Ensuring that the aircraft is thoroughly checked after this period helps mitigate any risks that may develop when an aircraft has not been operated regularly.