FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsMedium
An aircraft owner sells their airplane to a new owner. According to 14 CFR 91.417, which records must be transferred with the aircraft at the time of sale?
- AOnly the most recent annual inspection sign-off
- BCopies of all parts invoices and vendor receipts for the life of the aircraft
- COnly maintenance records generated within the previous 90 days
- DThe records of total time in service of the airframe, engines, propellers, and rotors, and the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The records of total time in service of the airframe, engines, propellers, and rotors, and the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives
14 CFR 91.417 requires that records of total time in service and the current status of applicable ADs (along with certain other required records) be transferred with the aircraft when it is sold, since these are essential to establishing continued airworthiness.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; only the last annual entry is insufficient—full total-time and AD compliance history is required.
- B. Incorrect; parts invoices are not required maintenance records under 91.417.
- C. Incorrect; a 90-day window is not the standard—lifetime total-time and AD status records must transfer.
91.417 Records Transfer at Sale
When an aircraft is sold, 14 CFR 91.417 requires that records of total time in service and current AD compliance status be transferred with the aircraft to the new owner.
- Total time in service records are retained permanently and transferred
- Current AD status must accompany the aircraft
- Routine maintenance records need only be retained 1 year unless superseded
- Missing transferred records can complicate airworthiness verification
Memory trick: The logbook rides along with the plane—total time and ADs never get left behind.