AA.II.A.K3FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge
Preventive maintenance that can be performed by the pilot or other designated crewmember.
Preventive maintenance that can be performed by the pilot or other designated crewmember.
Bottom line
Except for holders of a sport pilot certificate, the holder of a pilot certificate issued under part 61 may perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft owned or operated by that pilot which is not used under part 121, 129, or 135. The items that constitute preventive maintenance are listed in appendix A to part 43. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of 14 CFR 43.9, each person who performs preventive maintenance on an aircraft must make an entry in the maintenance record containing a description of the work performed and the date of completion.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| Part 61 pilot: aircraft owned or operated by that pilot, not used under part 121, 129, or 135 | Pilot authority |
| Aircraft owned or operated by that pilot with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category | Sport pilot |
| Appendix A to part 43 | Where listed |
FAA references
- 14 CFR 43.3 (Persons authorized to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- 14 CFR 43.9 (Content, form, and disposition of maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration records (except inspections performed in accordance with part 91, part 125, § 135.411(a)(1), and § 135.419 of this chapter).) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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