FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

Who is responsible for ensuring an aircraft is safe for flight?

1. The aircraft owner

2. The co-pilot

3. The pilot in command

4. The FAA inspector

The correct answer is: The pilot in command

The pilot in command holds ultimate responsibility for the safety and operation of the aircraft before and during flight. This responsibility includes conducting thorough pre-flight inspections, assessing weather conditions, and determining whether the aircraft is fit for the intended flight. The pilot in command is required to understand all operational limitations and maintain familiarity with the aircraft’s systems to ensure safe operation. While the aircraft owner may have obligations regarding the maintenance and airworthiness of the aircraft, it is the pilot in command who must ensure that all necessary checks have been made immediately prior to departure. The co-pilot's role often involves assisting the pilot in command but does not convey the authority or ultimate responsibility, which remains with the pilot in command. An FAA inspector can evaluate the safety of an aircraft during inspections but does not have day-to-day oversight for each flight operation. Hence, the pilot in command is the key figure in this dynamic, ensuring that safety is prioritized.