FAA Ground School Practice Test

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives?

1. The pilot in command

2. The aircraft manufacturer

3. The owner or operator

4. The maintenance crew

The correct answer is: The owner or operator

The owner or operator is primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives (ADs). Airworthiness directives are legally enforceable rules issued by the FAA to address safety issues in aviation. Once an AD is released, it applies to the specific aircraft or components identified in the directive, and it is the responsibility of the owner or operator to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to comply with those directives. While the pilot in command has a role in pre-flight inspections and ensuring the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation, the ultimate accountability for compliance with ADs rests with the owner or operator, as they are responsible for the aircraft's overall maintenance and airworthiness status. The aircraft manufacturer also plays a role by issuing the ADs based on reported safety concerns, but compliance falls on the owner and operator as they have control over the aircraft and its maintenance program. The maintenance crew carries out the necessary work to comply with the ADs but operates under the directives set forth by the owner or operator. Thus, the owner or operator is the individual or entity that holds the responsibility for keeping the aircraft compliant with safety regulations, including ADs.