FAA Ground School Practice Test

Who is authorized to perform preventive maintenance on an aircraft?

1. Any certified mechanic

2. Only a commercial pilot

3. Private or commercial pilot

4. Only a private pilot

The correct answer is: Private or commercial pilot

The authority for performing preventive maintenance on an aircraft is granted to both private and commercial pilots who hold a valid pilot certificate. This includes the ability to carry out maintenance tasks outlined in the regulations, so long as those tasks fall under the definition of preventive maintenance, which involves simple or minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts. This option is rooted in the regulations established by the FAA, which specify that pilots can conduct certain types of maintenance without requiring the oversight of a certified mechanic. This freedom enables pilots to ensure their aircraft are kept in good working order, enhancing safety and reliability without needing to incur the costs and logistics associated with certified mechanics for minor tasks. Other options, although they may justify certain maintenance activities, are limited in scope. For instance, a certified mechanic has broader abilities regarding aircraft maintenance but is not the only authorized party for preventive maintenance. While a commercial pilot may have specific privileges related to operating aircraft, the essential point is that both private and commercial pilots can legally perform these preventive maintenance tasks as prescribed by the FAA.