If an item of nonessential inoperable equipment is noted during an annual inspection on an aircraft without an approved minimum equipment list, how must this discrepancy be handled?

The correct answer is to make a maintenance record entry listing the item as unairworthy. When nonessential inoperable equipment is discovered during an annual inspection on an aircraft that does not possess an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), it must be documented properly in order to comply with regulatory requirements. By categorizing the inoperable equipment as unairworthy, the operator effectively communicates that the aircraft does not conform to the type design or is not in a condition for safe operation.

This documentation is crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that the aircraft remains in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. It provides transparency regarding the status of the equipment and alerts any future operators or maintenance personnel to the deficiency that exists.

Handling the discrepancy this way prevents any ambiguity in record-keeping and ensures that appropriate actions can be taken in the future, whether that involves repair, replacement, or further inspections. The other options may not fulfill these regulatory obligations as effectively, resulting in potential safety concerns or compliance issues.