The 100 hour inspection required by the FAA regs for certain aircraft being operated for hire may be performed by

• A. by appropriately rated mechanics and approved by them for return to service
• B. by any pilot
• C. by the aircraft owner
• D. by appropriately rated mechanics and approved by them for return to service

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the 100-hour inspection for aircraft operated for hire must be done by someone with the proper certificated rating, and the aircraft can be returned to service only after that person approves it. In practice, an appropriately rated mechanic (such as an A&P) performs the inspection and signs off that the aircraft is airworthy. This mechanism ensures the person who actually did the work is the one certifying the aircraft meets the required standards. Pilots or aircraft owners cannot legally perform and sign off a 100-hour inspection unless they hold the necessary certificated rating, so they aren’t eligible to approve return to service. That’s why the correct concept is that the inspection may be performed by appropriately rated mechanics and approved by them for return to service.