What is the proper entry that authorizes return to service after maintenance?

• A. Approved for return to service
• B. Rechecked
• C. Verified
• D. Cleared for flight

Answer: (A)

After maintenance, an authorized person must certify the aircraft is airworthy to return to service. The official maintenance release uses the exact entry “Approved for Return to Service” to authorize flight, confirming the work was completed to standard and the aircraft is safe to operate. This phrase is the formal authorization in the maintenance records. Terms like “rechecked” or “verified” describe checks already done but don’t by themselves authorize flight, and “cleared for flight” may be used informally but isn’t the standard release entry used to indicate airworthiness in the official records.