During an annual inspection, if a defect is found which makes the aircraft unairworthy, the disapproving must

• A. Provide a written notice of the defect to the owner
• B. Sign the maintenance release
• C. File a report with the FAA
• D. Notify the manufacturer

Answer: (A)

When an annual inspection uncovers a defect that makes the aircraft unairworthy, the person disapproving the inspection must provide the owner with a written notice describing the defect. This written notice formally communicates the exact problem and what must be repaired before the aircraft can be flown again, and it becomes part of the maintenance record to ensure the owner understands the required corrective action.

Signing the maintenance release would imply the aircraft is airworthy, which is not allowed when an unairworthy condition is found. There’s no automatic duty to file a separate report with the FAA for this situation, and notifying the manufacturer isn’t required in this context.