If an aircraft was not approved to return to service due to minor repair items found during an annual inspection, who may complete the repairs and approve it for return to service?

• A. a certified welder
• B. a rated mechanic
• C. the owner
• D. the chief pilot

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that minor maintenance tasks can be performed and the aircraft signed as airworthy by the person who operates the aircraft if those tasks fall into the category of preventive maintenance or simple repairs allowed for owner-performed work. In this scenario, the owner may complete the minor repairs found during an annual inspection and sign off the aircraft for return to service in the maintenance records, provided the work is indeed minor and not a major repair or alteration. This arrangement exists because the operator is permitted to handle certain routine maintenance on their own aircraft under the rules governing Part 91 operations.

If the repair were major or would require specialized inspection or equipment, a certificated mechanic (or an IA for annual-related sign-offs) would be needed to perform or approve the work. The other options (a certified welder, a rated mechanic, or the chief pilot) do not align with the specific allowance for owner-performed minor maintenance and return-to-service sign-off in this context.