How long must records of annual inspection entries be kept?

The requirement for keeping records of annual inspection entries for one year or until the work is repeated is correct as it reflects the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Specifically, the regulations state that records of maintenance and inspections should be kept for a period of one year after the work is completed or until the work is redone. This ensures that pertinent information is available for reference if needed within that timeframe, while also being practical in that recurring inspections or maintenance will generate new records that supersede the old ones.

Keeping records solely for a certain number of years, indefinitely, or until an aircraft is sold does not align with the specific requirements set forth by aviation regulatory authorities. Those alternatives do not accommodate the importance of having updated information readily available after maintenance work has been performed or when repeated services occur. This approach not only helps maintain the aircraft’s airworthiness but also adheres to regulatory compliance, supporting both operational safety and accountability in aviation.