Under which regulation are pilots authorized to perform preventative maintenance?

• A. 14 CFR Part 47.3
• B. 14 CFR Part 39
• C. 14 CFR Part 91
• D. 14 CFR Part 65

Answer: (A)

Preventive maintenance is handled in a way that lets aircraft owners take care of routine, simple tasks on their own aircraft. The regulation that covers maintenance, including preventive maintenance, and who may perform it is Part 43. It allows the owner or operator to perform preventive maintenance on their own aircraft as long as the work is simple, follows the manufacturer’s data or other approved data, and is properly recorded in the aircraft’s maintenance records. After completing the work, the owner or operator should release the aircraft back to service and ensure the maintenance is logged. If the job is more than routine or requires specialized skills, a certificated mechanic or repair station is needed. The other regulations listed govern different topics (airworthiness directives, mechanic certification, general operating rules) and do not authorize pilot-performed preventive maintenance; the correct rule for this capability is Part 43.