📘14 CFR §91.403 – General Maintenance Requirements
🚩 Overview
Proper maintenance ensures the continued airworthiness of aircraft. FAA regulations assign the ultimate responsibility for maintenance and airworthiness compliance to aircraft owners/operators.
✅ Key Operational Requirements
🛠 1. Owner/Operator Responsibility
The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for:
Maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition.
Ensuring compliance with all applicable maintenance requirements outlined by the FAA.
📋 2. Compliance with Maintenance Regulations
Aircraft must be maintained according to FAA regulations (Part 43) covering inspections, repairs, alterations, and preventive maintenance.
Maintenance must be performed by individuals authorized under Part 43.
📑 3. Required Maintenance Documentation
Owners/operators must keep proper maintenance records documenting all inspections, repairs, alterations, and preventive maintenance, as detailed in §91.417.
⚙️ 4. Operational Compliance
Aircraft must not be operated unless properly maintained and approved for return to service following maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations.
🛩️ Example Scenario
As the owner/operator, you are responsible for ensuring your aircraft undergoes its required annual inspection, complies with all Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and receives proper documentation in the maintenance logbooks before flight. Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in FAA enforcement action and jeopardize safety.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Teach Ownership Responsibility: Clearly explain to your students (especially aircraft owners/operators) the importance of understanding their maintenance responsibilities under FAA regulations.
Documentation Discipline: Reinforce the importance of maintaining accurate, thorough aircraft maintenance records and verifying compliance before each flight.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §91.403 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-E/section-91.403
FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-12A (Maintenance Records): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43-12A_CHG_1.pdf
FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak
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