Definition
A maintenance procedure in which a component or aircraft is examined to determine its actual condition, and only those repairs found to be needed during that inspection are performed. Unlike a scheduled overhaul, which restores the item to a defined standard regardless of condition, IRAN work is driven by what the inspection reveals.
Plain English
Open it up, see what is actually wrong, and fix only what needs fixing.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance manuals, inspection checklists, work orders, and maintenance log entries.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces unnecessary expense and downtime while still ensuring airworthiness by addressing only actual defects.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as “inspect only.” Also do not read it as “repair everything automatically.” It means inspect first, then repair what the inspection shows is necessary.
Example Sentence 1
The engine logbook shows the magnetos were sent out for IRAN rather than a full overhaul.
Example Sentence 2
After the annual, the logbook noted an inspect and repair as necessary on the starter, with new brushes installed and the rest left serviceable.