What is done with the aircraft maintenance records that include the current status of the applicable Airworthiness Directives when the aircraft is sold?

• A. They can remain with the seller.
• B. These maintenance records must be transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
• C. They must be archived but not transferred.
• D. They must be destroyed.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining and transferring AD-related records with the aircraft is essential for continuing airworthiness. When ownership changes, the aircraft’s maintenance logs, including the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives, must accompany the aircraft. This gives the new owner and any subsequent maintenance personnel a complete picture: which ADs have been complied with, which are outstanding, and when actions are due. It also provides regulatory proof of compliance and helps plan future maintenance. If these records stayed with the seller, were archived, or were destroyed, the new owner would lack critical information needed to verify safety and meet mandatory requirements, creating safety and liability concerns. So, transferring the records with the aircraft is the proper practice.