Who is responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition?

Who is responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition?

• A. The operator or owner of the aircraft.
• B. The FAA.
• C. The pilot in command.
• D. The maintenance technician.

Answer: (A)

Keeping the aircraft airworthy is the responsibility of the operator or owner. Airworthiness means the aircraft conforms to its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation. The owner or operator must ensure that maintenance is performed according to approved data and regulatory requirements, that inspections are completed, and that maintenance records and any required ADs are properly managed. Mechanic and technician work gets done under proper supervision and is signed off, but the ultimate accountability rests with the owner/operator. The pilot in command must determine, before flight, that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation, but the long‑term duty to maintain airworthiness lies with the owner/operator, with the FAA regulating and enforcing the rules.

Keeping the aircraft airworthy is the responsibility of the operator or owner. Airworthiness means the aircraft conforms to its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation. The owner or operator must ensure that maintenance is performed according to approved data and regulatory requirements, that inspections are completed, and that maintenance records and any required ADs are properly managed. Mechanic and technician work gets done under proper supervision and is signed off, but the ultimate accountability rests with the owner/operator. The pilot in command must determine, before flight, that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation, but the long‑term duty to maintain airworthiness lies with the owner/operator, with the FAA regulating and enforcing the rules.