Private Pilot Private Exam

Who carries the primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition?

1. Aircraft maintenance technician

2. Owner or operator

3. Pilot in command

4. Aviation safety inspector

The correct answer is: Owner or operator

The primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition lies with the owner or operator. According to regulations, it is the owner or operator's duty to ensure that the aircraft is maintained according to the standards prescribed by the FAA and other relevant authorities. This responsibility encompasses ensuring regular maintenance checks are performed, discrepancies are addressed, and the aircraft is serviced appropriately to meet safety and operational standards. While an aircraft maintenance technician plays a vital role in performing maintenance tasks and repairs, and the pilot in command must inspect the aircraft before flight, it is ultimately the owner or operator who holds the overarching responsibility for the aircraft's airworthiness. Aviation safety inspectors oversee compliance with regulations but do not manage individual aircraft airworthiness. Thus, the delineation of responsibilities within aviation indicates that the owner or operator is primarily responsible for the aircraft's maintenance.