Who is responsible for maintaining an aircraft's airworthiness?

The responsibility for maintaining an aircraft's airworthiness primarily falls on the aircraft owner or operator. This includes ensuring that the aircraft is in compliance with all regulatory requirements and that it is maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications and standards. The owner/operator must establish a maintenance schedule, ensure that proper inspections and repairs are done, and keep records of all maintenance activities.

While pilots play a crucial role in pre-flight checks and ensure that the aircraft is safe to fly on a day-to-day basis, they are not solely responsible for the ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft. Government aviation authorities set regulations and standards for airworthiness and oversee compliance, but they do not directly maintain individual aircraft. Designated maintenance technicians perform inspections and repairs but operate under the guidance and responsibility of the owner/operator. Thus, the comprehensive responsibility for airworthiness is placed on the aircraft owner/operator.