When discrepancies are found during preflight, what is the proper action?

When discrepancies are found during preflight, what is the proper action?

• A. Record them in the aircraft defect log or maintenance release and notify the proper authority for action
• B. Ignore minor issues and fly
• C. Inform passengers
• D. Postpone addressing until after flight

Answer: (A)

Discrepancies found in preflight must be documented and escalated to maintenance or the appropriate authority. Recording the issue in the aircraft defect log or maintenance release creates a traceable record of what was found, where, and how severe it is, which is essential for accountability and future reference. Notifying the proper authority ensures a qualified person can assess the risk, determine the urgency, and arrange the correct corrective action—whether that means repairing before flight, applying a placard, or authorization under the minimum equipment list. This protects airworthiness and regulatory compliance, and it prevents flying with an unresolved problem. Why the other options don’t fit: ignoring or flying with a known issue compromises safety and airworthiness; informing passengers doesn’t address the mechanical or regulatory concern; postponing action until after flight would mean operating with an unresolved discrepancy, which is unsafe and not permissible.

Discrepancies found in preflight must be documented and escalated to maintenance or the appropriate authority. Recording the issue in the aircraft defect log or maintenance release creates a traceable record of what was found, where, and how severe it is, which is essential for accountability and future reference. Notifying the proper authority ensures a qualified person can assess the risk, determine the urgency, and arrange the correct corrective action—whether that means repairing before flight, applying a placard, or authorization under the minimum equipment list. This protects airworthiness and regulatory compliance, and it prevents flying with an unresolved problem.

Why the other options don’t fit: ignoring or flying with a known issue compromises safety and airworthiness; informing passengers doesn’t address the mechanical or regulatory concern; postponing action until after flight would mean operating with an unresolved discrepancy, which is unsafe and not permissible.