Who is primarily responsible for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition?

• A. The owner
• B. The pilot
• C. The owner or operator
• D. The mechanic

Answer: (C)

Airworthiness is maintained by the person or organization that owns or operates the aircraft. The owner or operator must ensure that required maintenance is performed, that the aircraft complies with all applicable airworthiness directives, and that proper maintenance records are kept. The actual maintenance work is done by a qualified mechanic or technician, but they’re responsible for doing the job correctly—not for the ongoing duty to keep the aircraft airworthy. The pilot’s role is to conduct a thorough preflight and ensure the aircraft looks and feels safe for the intended flight, but not to assume the ongoing maintenance responsibility.