Which regulation outlines the requirements for aircraft maintenance and airworthiness?

The regulation that outlines the requirements for aircraft maintenance and airworthiness is FAR Part 43. This part specifically details the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations that must be performed on aircraft to ensure they remain safe and in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. It establishes the standards for how these maintenance activities should be carried out, who may conduct them, and the record-keeping requirements associated with those activities.

This is essential for maintaining an aircraft's airworthiness, which refers to its suitability for safe operation in flight. Part 43 is fundamental to ensuring that both pilot and public safety are upheld through rigorous maintenance practices.

In contrast, while FAR Part 91 deals with general operating and flight rules for pilots and their operations, and Part 145 addresses the certification of repair stations which conduct maintenance on aircraft, it is FAR Part 43 that directly specifies the actual maintenance protocols necessary to ensure airworthiness. FAR Part 119 outlines the certification requirements of aviation services but does not directly focus on maintenance standards.