FAA Ground School Practice Test

What records must the owner or operator of an aircraft keep to show compliance with applicable airworthiness directives?

1. Flight logs

2. Aircraft maintenance records

3. Inspection checklists

4. Repair orders

The correct answer is: Aircraft maintenance records

The owner or operator of an aircraft is required to maintain comprehensive aircraft maintenance records to document compliance with applicable airworthiness directives (ADs). These records serve as a detailed history of the aircraft's maintenance and modifications, including work performed to address specific ADs. Keeping well-organized maintenance records provides a clear account of compliance activities, ensuring that any mandatory work mandated by the FAA is properly documented. This documentation helps demonstrate to regulatory authorities that the aircraft has met all safety and operational standards outlined in the ADs. Other options, like flight logs, inspection checklists, and repair orders, while important for overall aircraft operation and safety, do not collectively fulfill the specific requirement to show compliance with airworthiness directives. Flight logs mainly track flights and are not a maintenance record. Inspection checklists serve as tools during inspections but do not provide a full record of maintenance history. Similarly, repair orders document specific repairs but do not encompass the broader maintenance narrative required for AD compliance.