Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Maintenance Records The owner/operator is responsible for all required maintenance, inspections and logbook entries on an aircraft. FAR 43 gives entry examples of ‘appropriate" entries. This includes compliance with the FARs such as FAR 91.403(a) and FAR 91.405. 91.405 requires maintenance sufficient to keep aircraft airworthy. The owner-operator must retain the log books, be responsible that proper entries are made, and be able to make them available to authorities. All records of maintenance and inspections require that entries say what has been done, the date of completion, signature and certification of the one doing the work and sign-off. A proper sign-off applies only to the work done. An inspection does not make the aircraft airworthy. An aircraft is airworthy only when work specified in the inspection as being required is completed and signed-off. FAR 91.213(d)(2) covers inoperative equipment. This requires that any inoperative instrument or equipment have a signed placard FAR 43.11 as well as logbook entries regarding the action taking. Approval for return to service is required. Maintenance is the owner/operator responsibility; airworthiness is the pilot's. FAR 91.7(b) "The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight." If anything untoward happens the FAA gets to second-guess the pilot's decision. The regulations on maintenance and inspections are in FAR 91.403(a) and 91.405. 91.3 states: "The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. Again, if anything untoward happens the FAA gets to second-guess the pilot's decision. The PIC determines airworthiness in the preflight, review of paperwork and checking aircraft maintenance records. The aircraft must meet and continue to meet it original type design data unless approved changes are made. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM