← All explained questions · Supplemental · I — Preflight Preparation
After a flight where an instrument or system malfunction occurred (e.g., suction gauge low, heading indicator wandering), the pilot should
Choices
say nothing if the flight ended safely.
Hiding squawks endangers the next pilot.
✓ WRITE A SQUAWK in the maintenance log so the next pilot/mechanic is aware.correct
Squawks are how aircraft maintain airworthiness. undisclosed problems endanger the next crew. Squawk writing is a CORE PIC responsibility under the spirit of 14 CFR 91.7 (PIC determines airworthiness). A squawk is the official, traceable record. Verbal handoffs get forgotten; the next pilot has the right to know. Mechanics fixed it? Note the closure. Squawks are the institutional memory of the airplane.
simply tell the next pilot in person.
Verbal isn't traceable.
wait until the annual inspection to mention.
Annual is too late if the problem causes an accident.
Why
Squawks are how aircraft maintain airworthiness. undisclosed problems endanger the next crew. Squawk writing is a CORE PIC responsibility under the spirit of 14 CFR 91.7 (PIC determines airworthiness). A squawk is the official, traceable record. Verbal handoffs get forgotten; the next pilot has the right to know. Mechanics fixed it? Note the closure. Squawks are the institutional memory of the airplane.
FAA source: 14 CFR §91.405(a), owner/operator maintenance responsibilities; 14 CFR §91.7browse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.