SkyDrill

Scope of the return-to-service signature

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 33 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K3 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder 14 CFR § 43.9, the signature in a maintenance record entry constitutes an approval for return to service for what?

  1. AThe entire aircraft as airworthy
  2. BOnly the work performed
  3. CAll maintenance recorded since the last inspection
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Only the work performed

  • A — incorrect A § 43.9 maintenance entry does not certify the whole aircraft as airworthy; that broader statement belongs to inspection entries made under § 43.11.
  • B — correct § 43.9(a)(4) states that the signature constitutes the approval for return to service only for the work performed.
  • C — incorrect The signature covers only the work described in that entry, not other maintenance that may have been recorded earlier.

BACKGROUND

14 CFR § 43.9 governs the content of records for maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration (inspection records are covered separately by § 43.11). Each entry must contain a description of the work or a reference to acceptable data, the date of completion, the name of the person who performed the work if different from the approver, and the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate of the person approving the work. The regulation adds that the signature constitutes the approval for return to service only for the work performed. FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 2 points out that the common logbook phrase "and is hereby returned to service" is therefore not required, and that the technician is only signing off the work they have done.

STUDY TIP

Remember the distinction: a § 43.9 signature approves the work performed, while a § 43.11 inspection entry carries a statement about the aircraft's airworthy condition.

KEY POINTS

  • § 43.9 entries record what was done, when, and by whom.
  • The signature approves for return to service only the work performed.
  • Inspection entries with an airworthiness statement are made under § 43.11, not § 43.9.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 43.9(a)(4)
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "Section 43.9--Content, form and disposition of maintenance... records"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON REGULATIONS, MAINTENANCE FORMS, RECORDS, AND PUBLICATIONS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.