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Retention of Category 4 maintenance records

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 13 of 19 on Regulations / Operations Over People. ACS element UA.I.E.K15 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONThe owner of a small unmanned aircraft used for Category 4 operations has an alteration performed on the aircraft. Under § 107.140(c)(4), how long must the record of that alteration be retained?

  1. A2 years from when the work is completed, regardless of any later work on the aircraft
  2. BUntil the aircraft changes ownership, then transferred with the aircraft to the new owner
  3. C1 year from when the work is completed, or until the work is repeated or superseded
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 1 year from when the work is completed, or until the work is repeated or superseded

  • A — incorrect The period for maintenance and alteration records is 1 year, and it may end earlier when the work is repeated or superseded.
  • B — incorrect Retention and transfer with the aircraft applies to records of life-limited parts, airworthiness directive compliance and inspection status under § 107.140(c)(4)(ii), not to individual maintenance or alteration records.
  • C — correct § 107.140(c)(4)(i) requires records of maintenance, preventive maintenance or alterations to be retained for 1 year from completion of the work or until the maintenance is repeated or superseded by other work.

BACKGROUND

Category 4 aircraft hold an airworthiness certificate, so § 107.140(c) imposes maintenance duties on the owner (or on an operator by agreement). The person performing maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations or inspections must use the methods in the manufacturer's current maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or other methods acceptable to the Administrator, and must have the knowledge, skill and equipment for the work. Records must describe the work, the completion date and the name of the person who did it. Maintenance and alteration records are kept for 1 year from completion or until the work is repeated or superseded; records of life-limited parts, airworthiness directive status and inspection status are retained and transferred with the aircraft on change of ownership. Compliance with part 43 and part 91 subpart E fulfills these requirements.

STUDY TIP

Split Category 4 records into two groups: work records with a 1-year or until-superseded life, and status records that stay with the aircraft for its life.

KEY POINTS

  • Category 4 maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration records are kept for 1 year or until the work is repeated or superseded.
  • Life-limited part, airworthiness directive and inspection status records are transferred with the aircraft.
  • All records must be available on request to the Administrator or the NTSB.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.140(c)(4)
  • 14 CFR 107.140(c)(2)
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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.