Who is primarily responsible for ensuring an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?

The owner or operator of the aircraft is primarily responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition. This responsibility includes ensuring that the aircraft is properly maintained according to regulatory standards and is safe for flight operations. The owner/operator must ensure that all required inspections, maintenance actions, and repairs are completed in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

While the pilot in command is responsible for the safety of the flight and must perform a pre-flight inspection to confirm that the aircraft is airworthy before each flight, the overarching responsibility for its maintenance lies with the owner or operator. Mechanics perform inspections and maintenance but operate within the framework of the maintenance laid out by the owner/operator, therefore they also share some responsibility in ensuring compliance with maintenance standards. Air traffic control personnel, on the other hand, do not have any responsibility for the maintenance or airworthiness of the aircraft; they are primarily focused on the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airspace.