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Retention period for Category 4 maintenance records

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 11 of 17 on Operations / Maintenance and Inspection. ACS element UA.V.F.K4 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONMaintenance on a Category 4 small unmanned aircraft was completed on March 10, 2024, and the same work has not been repeated or superseded. Under § 107.140(c)(4), until what date must the record of that work be retained?

  1. ASeptember 10, 2024
  2. BIndefinitely, transferred with the aircraft on sale
  3. CMarch 10, 2025
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. March 10, 2025

  • A — incorrect Six months is not the stated period; the rule specifies 1 year from completion.
  • B — incorrect Indefinite retention and transfer on change of ownership apply to life-limited part, airworthiness directive and inspection status records, not to records of maintenance performed.
  • C — correct § 107.140(c)(4)(i) requires maintenance records to be retained for 1 year from when the work is completed or until the work is repeated or superseded; one year from March 10, 2024 is March 10, 2025.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.140(c)(4) sets two retention rules for Category 4 records. Records documenting maintenance, preventive maintenance or alterations performed must be retained for 1 year from when the work is completed or until the maintenance is repeated or superseded by other work. Records documenting the status of life-limited parts, compliance with airworthiness directives and the inspection status of the aircraft must be retained and transferred with the aircraft upon change in ownership. Each maintenance record must contain a description of the work, the date completed and the name of the person who performed it.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the split: work-performed records last 1 year (or until repeated or superseded); status records travel with the aircraft.

KEY POINTS

  • Records of maintenance performed are kept 1 year from completion.
  • Repeating or superseding the work can end the retention period earlier.
  • Life-limited part, AD and inspection status records transfer with the aircraft.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.140(c)(4)(i)
  • 14 CFR 107.140(c)(4)(ii)
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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.