Private Pilot Private Exam

Where should one refer to determine the expiration date of the last annual inspection?

1. Flight log

2. Pilot's handbook

3. Aircraft maintenance records

4. Inspection checklist

The correct answer is: Aircraft maintenance records

The most reliable source for determining the expiration date of the last annual inspection is the aircraft maintenance records. These records include detailed documentation of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed on the aircraft, including the date of the last annual inspection and when the next one is due. Annual inspections are a critical part of aircraft maintenance, and the records will outline the specifics of these inspections, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting safety. Within the maintenance records, you'll find information such as the logbooks and any supplemental documentation that confirms the dates and findings of the inspections conducted. Other options, while they may contain relevant information, do not provide the comprehensive and specific details necessary to accurately determine the expiration date of the last annual inspection. For instance, a flight log primarily tracks flight time and pilot operations, the pilot's handbook focuses on performance and operational information, and the inspection checklist is used during the inspection process itself but does not track previous inspection dates.