After repairs, who is responsible for determining if an aircraft is safe for flight?

The pilot in command holds the ultimate responsibility for determining if an aircraft is safe for flight. This responsibility is fundamental to aviation safety, as the pilot must ensure that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation before embarking on any flight. While mechanics perform necessary repairs and can certify that the aircraft has been properly maintained, it is ultimately the pilot's prerogative to evaluate whether any repairs have been satisfactorily completed and that the aircraft meets all airworthiness standards.

The role of the aircraft owner is significant in managing the aircraft and ensuring that it is kept in safe operating condition, but the final decision to fly rests with the pilot in command. The mechanic who performed the repairs is responsible for ensuring the work was done according to regulations and standards, yet they do not have the authority to declare the aircraft safe for flight from the pilot's perspective. Similarly, a designated pilot examiner’s oversight pertains to evaluating pilot certification, not the maintenance status of the aircraft. Thus, Pilots in command are trained to assess aircraft condition and safety comprehensively before every flight.