FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsMedium
A commercial pilot is operating an aircraft under Part 91. Which of the following maintenance records must be retained indefinitely by the aircraft owner?
- ARecords of the last annual inspection.
- BRecords of maintenance performed since the last 100-hour inspection.
- CRecords of the 100-hour inspections.
- DRecords of the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Records of the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
According to 14 CFR 91.417(b)(1), records of the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs), including the method of compliance, the AD number and revision date, and the time and date when the next action is required, must be retained indefinitely by the owner or operator.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Annual inspection records can be disposed of after the component is overhauled or replaced, or after 1 year.
- B. Maintenance records can generally be disposed of after the work is repeated or superseded, or after 1 year.
- C. 100-hour inspection records can be disposed of after the component is overhauled or replaced, or after 1 year.
Indefinite Maintenance Records
Certain aircraft maintenance records, specifically Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance status, must be retained indefinitely.
- AD compliance records are critical.
- Show method of compliance, AD number, and next action date.
- Retained by owner/operator throughout the aircraft's life.
Memory trick: Keep AD records forever, like a timeless treasure map.