What are the responsibilities relevant to pre-flight inspection?
Answer
The pre-flight inspection forms part of the essential requirements for air operation, as required in Annex V (point 6.2) of the ‘Basic Regulation’ (Regulation (EU) 2018/1139). Being relevant to the aircraft’s fitness for the intended flight, this essential requirement is implemented by the Commission Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 for continuing airworthiness in the following way:
|
Reference |
Obligation |
Who |
Remark |
|
M.A.201(d) |
Carry out pre-flight inspection satisfactorily |
Part-M: Pilot-in-command or, in case of Licensed Air Carrier, a qualified staff under the responsibility of the operator (e.g. maintenance staff - see note) Part-ML: Pilot-in-command or a qualified person under the responsibility of the pilot-in-command |
|
|
M.A.301(a)/ |
Ensure pre-flight inspection is carried out
|
Owner or CA(M)O (according to M.A.201/ML.A.201) |
|
|
M.A.301(a)/ |
Ensure pre-flight inspection includes the actions necessary to ensure that the aircraft is fit to carry out the intended flight |
Owner or CA(M)O (according to M.A.201/ML.A.201) | AMC M.A.301(a) points (1) and (2) elaborates those actions |
| M.A.301(a)/ ML.A.301(a) |
If a/c managed by CA(M)O: Provide training to ensure that pre-flight inspection is carried out adequately [AMC M.A.301(a) point (3)] | CA(M)O | Pre-flight inspection training described in the CAME part 1.11 or CAE part D.6 |
|
Additional information: |
|||
|
M.A.712(b)/ |
If a/c managed by CA(M)O: |
CA(M)O |
This is important because the pre-flight inspection contributes in feeding the process of aircraft continuing airworthiness |
Note:
As per the definition of ‘maintenance’ in article 2 (h) of Commission Regulation (EU) 1321/2014, ‘pre-flight inspection’ (as defined in article 2(j)) is not considered maintenance. Therefore, it does not require a certificate of release to service [M.A.201(d)/ML.A.201(d)].