Who may perform a 100-hour inspection for aircraft operated for hire and approve for return to service?

• A. The aircraft owner
• B. A pilot
• C. Appropriately rated mechanics and approved by them for return to service
• D. A manufacturer representative

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the 100-hour inspection for aircraft operated for hire must be done and the aircraft signed off for return to service by someone with the proper FAA mechanic rating. An appropriately rated mechanic, such as an A&P, performs the inspection and then approves the aircraft for return to service. This ensures the person validating airworthiness has the training to verify compliance with maintenance standards and records. An owner or a pilot isn't authorized to certify maintenance for flight, and a manufacturer representative isn’t normally the person who signs off on field maintenance. So, the correct concept is that appropriately rated mechanics perform the inspection and approve it for return to service.