|
|
|
||
AIRCRAFT OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
|
You, as an aircraft owner, are assuming responsibilities similar to those you have if you own an automobile. Owning; an automobile usually means that you must register it in your state of residence and obtain license plates. As the registered owner of an aircraft, you are responsible for:
2. Maintaining your aircraft in an airworthy condition including compliance with all applicable AD's. 3. Assuring that maintenance is properly recorded. 4. Keeping abreast of current regulations concerning the operation and maintenance of your aircraft. |
 |
5. Notifying the Civil Aviation Registry immediately of any change of permanent mailing address, of the sale or export of your aircraft, or of the loss of your eligibility to register an aircraft. (Refer to FAR Section 47.41.)
6. Having a current FCC Radio Station License, if equipped with radios, including an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).
Some states require that your automobile be inspected periodically to assure that it is in safe operating condition. Your aircraft shall be inspected in accordance with an annual inspection or with one of the inspection programs outlined in FAR Section 91.409, in order to maintain a current Airworthiness Certificate.
Some similarities between automobile and aircraft responsibilities are shown in the following chart:
|
Automobile/Airplane Comparison Chart |
||
|
Responsibility |
Automobile |
Aircraft |
|
Registration |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Inspection |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Compulsory insurance (most states) |
Yes |
No |
|
Reporting of accidents |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Required maintenance records |
No |
Yes |
|
Maximum speed restrictions |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Controlled maintenance |
No |
Yes |
Accidents involving your aircraft must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as required by Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 830.
How to Report A Stolen Aircraft or Aircraft Equipment
Immediately notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction at the site of the theft, giving all available information. Request that such information be entered into the computer system of the National Crime Information Center of the FBI, and have the law officer taking the report notify the nearest FAA Flight Service Station (FSS). The Flight Service Station then issues a nationwide stolen aircraft alert. NOTE: Flight Service Stations are prohibited from issuing stolen aircraft alerts based solely on notification of theft by the owner - the report must be made by the law enforcement officer handling the case.
2. Notify the Aviation Crime Prevention Institute (ACPI), P.O. Box 30, Hagerstown, MD 21741, telephone 1-800-969-5473, fax (301) 791-9791, giving all available information. ACPI will send notices of the theft to appropriate industry contacts and embassies if applicable.
3. Notify your insurance company or agent, as appropriate. Additionally, owners/operators are encouraged to keep separate records of serial numbers for powerplants, avionics, and other installed items. Report these serial numbers at the same time the aircraft is reported stolen.
How to Report An Aircraft Accident
1. By the most expeditious means available, notify the nearest NTSB field office. NTSB field offices are listed in the telephone directories of major cities under U.S. Government.
2. Within 10 days after an accident, you should file a report with the NTSB on NTSB Form 6120.1 or NTSB Form 7120.2.
3. Flight Service Stations are also available to take accident information and forward it to the NTSB.
| ?AvStop Online Magazine Contact Us Return To Technical Stories Of Interest |
