FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsHard
An aircraft owner hires an independent A&P mechanic to perform an annual inspection. After the inspection, a defect is later discovered that should have been caught. According to 14 CFR 91.403, who bears primary responsibility for the aircraft's continued airworthiness?
- AThe owner or operator of the aircraft
- BThe A&P mechanic who performed the inspection
- CThe FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
- DThe manufacturer of the aircraft
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The owner or operator of the aircraft
14 CFR 91.403(a) places primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition on the owner or operator, regardless of who performs the maintenance. While the mechanic is accountable for the quality of work performed under 43.12 and related rules, the regulatory burden of ensuring airworthiness rests with the owner/operator.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The mechanic is responsible for proper workmanship but not the overarching regulatory duty.
- C. The FSDO oversees compliance but does not bear personal responsibility for the aircraft.
- D. The manufacturer provides design data but has no ongoing operational responsibility.
91.403 Owner/Operator Responsibility
Places the primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition, including compliance with ADs, on the owner or operator, not solely on the mechanic performing the work.
- Owner must ensure maintenance is performed by authorized persons.
- Compliance with ADs is part of this responsibility.
- Mechanic responsibility for workmanship exists separately under 43.12/43.13.
Memory trick: 'Owner owns the outcome' even if a mechanic did the work.