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Responsibility for Category 4 maintenance requirements

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 10 of 17 on Operations / Maintenance and Inspection. ACS element UA.V.F.K4 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA small unmanned aircraft eligible for Category 4 operations is owned by one party and flown by a separate operator, and no agreement covering maintenance exists between them. Under § 107.140(c), who must ensure the maintenance requirements are met?

  1. AThe operator, since it flies the aircraft
  2. BThe remote pilot in command of each flight
  3. CThe owner
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The owner

  • A — incorrect The operator becomes responsible only when the owner enters into an agreement with the operator; with no agreement the duty stays with the owner.
  • B — incorrect § 107.140(c) does not assign the maintenance program to the remote pilot in command; it names the owner or, by agreement, the operator.
  • C — correct § 107.140(c) places the maintenance requirements on the owner unless the owner enters into an agreement with an operator to meet them.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.140(c) states that the owner must meet the Category 4 maintenance requirements, unless the owner enters into an agreement with an operator to meet them, in which case the operator must. Those requirements include ensuring the qualifications and methods of maintenance personnel, keeping records of maintenance, life-limited parts, inspection status and airworthiness directives, retaining those records, and making them available to the Administrator or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on request. The remote pilot in command still has the separate preflight duty under § 107.49(f) to ensure the aircraft meets § 107.140 before operating over people.

STUDY TIP

Read the parenthetical in § 107.140(c) carefully: responsibility shifts to the operator only through an agreement with the owner.

KEY POINTS

  • The owner is responsible for Category 4 maintenance by default.
  • An agreement between owner and operator can shift the duty to the operator.
  • The remote pilot in command is not the default responsible party.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.140(c)
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MORE ON OPERATIONS / MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.