FAA Ground School Practice Test

During a preflight inspection, who is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is safe to fly?

1. Ground crew personnel

2. The pilot in command

3. Maintenance technicians

4. The aircraft owner only

The correct answer is: The pilot in command

The pilot in command has the ultimate authority and responsibility for the safety of the flight. During a preflight inspection, the pilot must ensure that the aircraft is airworthy and safe for operation. This includes verifying that all required documents are on board, checking the aircraft's systems, fuel levels, and any preflight maintenance checks. While ground crew personnel, maintenance technicians, and aircraft owners may contribute to the aircraft's maintenance and compliance with safety regulations, it is the pilot who has the final responsibility to confirm that everything is in order and that the flight can be conducted safely. This chain of responsibility is integral to aviation safety, emphasizing the role of the pilot in command in assessing all factors that could affect the flight.