SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-owner-responsible-airworthy

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

The owner or operator.

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  1. The owner or operator ✔
  2. The mechanic who did the last annual
  3. The FAA inspector for the area

Why: The rule puts primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition on its owner or operator, including complying with Airworthiness Directives. Mechanics do the work, but the owner must make sure it gets done.

Huh, didn't know that: The owner must also make sure mechanics write up each return to service in the maintenance records.

The dad joke
Owning a plane is easy. It's the paying for it, fixing it and fueling it that's hard.
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References

Answer: The owner or operator. The rule puts primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition on its owner or operator, including complying with Airworthiness Directives. Mechanics do the work, but the owner must make sure it gets done.

  1. 14 CFR 91.403 General (Maintenance) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-91.403
    The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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