14 CFR 91.403 — General Maintenance Requirements
The owner or operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with ADs.
Regulation Text
The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 of this chapter (Airworthiness Directives). Each owner or operator of an aircraft shall ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
Aircraft maintenance responsibility falls on the owner/operator, not the mechanic. While a certified mechanic does the work, the owner must ensure inspections happen on time, ADs are complied with, and records are properly kept. This is a fundamental concept: the PIC checks that the aircraft is airworthy before each flight, but the owner ensures it is maintained to airworthiness standards. Neglecting maintenance can lead to certificate action against the owner.
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Related Regulations
14 CFR 91.409 — Inspections
Requires annual inspections within the preceding 12 calendar months and 100-hour inspections for aircraft used for hire or flight instruction.
§91.41714 CFR 91.417 — Maintenance Records
Requires maintenance records be kept for each aircraft, engine, and propeller, including total time, current status of inspections, ADs, and major alterations.
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