Some important items to consider in this appendix are:

This is commonly referred to as “the 411 test.” Refer to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.411 that requires that no person may operate an aircraft in controlled airspace under IFR unless the aircraft has had this test completed successfully within the preceding 24 months.) This section requires detailed testing of the static pressure system, the altimeter, and the automatic pressure altitude reporting equipment, and that the test information be recorded in the maintenance logs and on the altimeter.

This is commonly referred to as “the 413 test.” (Refer to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.413, which requires that no person may use a transponder unless it has had this test completed successfully within the preceding 24 months.)

This section specifies complex sets of tests, which may be accomplished either as a bench test or by using portable test equipment. Major categories of the testing required are radio reply frequency, suppression, receiver sensitivity, radio frequency peak output power, and mode S (when applicable). Upon completion of testing, proper entries must be made in the maintenance record.

As mentioned in the brief overview of the regulation portion earlier in this chapter, this part is actually addressing the operation of the aircraft. For example, 14 CFR part 91, section 91.7(a) states “no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.” We learned earlier that this term means that the aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in condition for safe operation. When the pilot performs a preflight inspection, they are making a determination concerning the “condition for safe operation.” The pilot does not usually determine “conformity to type design” unless they perform a review of the maintenance records. However, since that is fundamental to the definition of airworthy, it is still part of their responsibility. Therefore, a professional and ethical technician wants to help the customer understand their responsibilities in maintaining and documenting the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Although this subpart describes in general the rules regarding maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration, certain sections do not apply if the aircraft is operated in accordance with 14 CFR part 121, 125, 129, or 135.

The owner/operator holds the primary responsibility for maintaining the aircraft in airworthy condition. This includes compliance with all applicable ADs and is the reason that the FAA sends new AD notes to the registered owners of the affected aircraft. All maintenance performed must be accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR part 43. Compliance with the appropriate manufacturer maintenance manuals and ICA is also required. Mandatory replacement times, inspection intervals, and related procedures as outlined in the FAA-approved operations specifications must also be complied with.

The owner/operator is required to have the appropriate inspections made, and to have discrepancies repaired in accordance with part 43. They are also required to ensure that the appropriate entries have been made in the maintenance records. Any inoperative instruments or equipment must be properly placarded as inoperative.

Whenever the aircraft has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding or alteration, it must have been approved for RTS and a proper entry made in the maintenance records. If the maintenance that was done could have appreciably changed the flight characteristics, an appropriately rated pilot must perform an operational flight check of the aircraft and must make an entry of the flight in the maintenance records. If ground testing and inspection can show conclusively that the maintenance has not adversely affected the flight characteristics, no flight test is required.