FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

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

1. The FAA inspector

2. The aircraft maintenance technician

3. The owner or operator of the aircraft

4. The pilot in command

The correct answer is: The owner or operator of the aircraft

The owner or operator of the aircraft holds the primary responsibility for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition. This obligation stems from regulations that require that the owner or operator ensures all necessary maintenance is performed and that the aircraft meets all safety standards before flight. This includes conducting regular inspections, addressing issues noted during operations, and ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives issued by the FAA. While other roles, such as the pilot in command and maintenance technicians, play critical parts in ensuring the aircraft remains safe and operational, they do so under the guidance and responsibility established by the owner or operator. The pilot in command is responsible for pre-flight checks and ensuring that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight but does not hold the ultimate responsibility for maintenance records or adherence to maintenance standards. Similarly, aircraft maintenance technicians carry out the actual work needed to maintain and repair the aircraft, yet they do so based on the directives and requirements set forth by the owner or operator. Overall, it is the owner or operator who ensures compliance with regulations and accountability for the airworthiness of the aircraft, making them the primary party responsible in this context.