What action is required if an aircraft has not had a required inspection in a timely fashion?

If an aircraft has not undergone a required inspection in a timely manner, it must be marked as unairworthy, and any issues identified during the inspection should be addressed before it can be put back into service. This aligns with safety regulations that mandate aircraft must be airworthy and maintained according to the prescribed inspection schedules. Failing to adhere to these schedules compromises the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft, which is why taking corrective actions is essential prior to allowing any further operational use.

Marking the aircraft as unairworthy ensures that it cannot be flown until it has been inspected, and any discrepancies or maintenance needs have been resolved. This action upholds aviation safety standards and reinforces the responsibility of the owner or operator to maintain the aircraft in a condition that is compliant with FAA regulations.

While performing the inspection promptly is necessary, the critical step of designating the aircraft as unairworthy emphasizes the importance of preventing any operations that could jeopardize safety until all issues are rectified. Other choices, such as notifying the FAA or scheduling an upgrade, do not directly address the immediate requirement of ensuring the aircraft is airworthy before further use.