To whom must discrepancies and unairworthy items be reported after an annual inspection finds the aircraft unairworthy?

The requirement to report discrepancies and unairworthy items primarily to the owner or operator stems from the regulatory responsibility imposed on maintenance personnel. According to FAA regulations, when an annual inspection is performed and an aircraft is found to be unairworthy, the maintenance technician must inform the owner or operator of the identified issues. This ensures that the responsible party, who has the authority and obligation to address the unairworthy condition, can take appropriate action.

This reporting requirement emphasizes the importance of communication in aircraft maintenance and safety, as the owner or operator needs to be aware of any conditions that could impact the aircraft’s safety and compliance with regulations. After being made aware, the owner or operator can then make decisions regarding repairs, modifications, or any necessary steps to return the aircraft to an airworthy status.

While notifying the FSDO or other regulatory bodies can be necessary in certain circumstances, such as severe safety issues or when mandatory reporting is required, the immediate responsibility lies with making the owner or operator aware of the aircraft’s condition first. Thus, the focus is on the direct obligation to the owner or operator in this scenario.