FAA Ground School Practice Test

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?

1. Airworthiness Board

2. Owner or operator

3. Maintenance Personnel

4. Flight Instructor

The correct answer is: Owner or operator

The owner or operator of an aircraft holds the primary responsibility for ensuring that the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition. This responsibility is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which stipulate that the owner or operator must maintain the aircraft following the prescribed maintenance and inspection schedules. While maintenance personnel play a crucial role in performing the necessary inspections and repairs, they work under the guidance of the owner or operator's directives. It is ultimately the owner or operator who must ensure that all maintenance is conducted correctly and that the aircraft is fit for flight at all times. The Airworthiness Board is not responsible for the day-to-day maintenance but may provide oversight and standards for airworthiness. Additionally, a flight instructor’s role focuses on training and ensuring that pilots understand how to operate the aircraft safely, not necessarily on the maintenance side. Hence, the owner or operator bears the ultimate responsibility for airworthiness.