FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsHard
A mechanic is reviewing an aircraft's maintenance records prior to a pre-purchase inspection. Under 14 CFR 91.417, for how long must records of the total time in service of the airframe be retained?
- AThe life of the aircraft
- B1 year after the work is performed
- CUntil the work is superseded by other work
- D2 years from the date of the last annual inspection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The life of the aircraft
14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) and (b) require that records showing total time in service of the airframe be retained for the life of the aircraft and transferred with it when sold, unlike routine maintenance records, which need only be kept 1 year or until superseded.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1 year applies to routine maintenance records, not total time records.
- C. 'Until superseded' applies to status of life-limited parts and ADs, not total airframe time.
- D. There is no 2-year retention rule tied to annual inspections.
91.417 Records Retention
Specifies which maintenance records must be kept and for how long by the aircraft owner/operator.
- Routine maintenance records: 1 year or until superseded
- AD compliance/life-limited part status: retained until superseded or part replaced
- Total time in service: retained for the life of the aircraft
Memory trick: 'Total time travels with the plane forever.'