If a mechanical discrepancy that affects airworthiness is discovered after a flight in a rented trainer, the pilot should

Choices

• verbally mention it to the next student without documenting it.

  Incorrect. A verbal handoff is not a record; the next pilot and the operator need a written squawk they can act on.

• ✓ ground the aircraft, enter the discrepancy on the aircraft squawk sheet, and inform flight operations or maintenance.correct

  The pilot’s own duty is in 14 CFR 91.7(b): the PIC determines whether the aircraft is in condition for safe flight and must discontinue the flight when an unairworthy condition occurs. In practice that means grounding the airplane, writing the discrepancy on the operator’s squawk sheet, and telling flight operations or maintenance. Inoperative equipment is then handled under 91.213. Permanent maintenance-record entries under 91.405 and Part 43 are the responsibility of the owner or operator and of certificated maintenance personnel — not the renting pilot.

• endorse the permanent airframe maintenance logbook per 14 CFR 91.405.

  Incorrect. 91.405 places maintenance-record obligations on the OWNER OR OPERATOR, and Part 43 reserves maintenance-record entries to certificated maintenance personnel. A renting pilot neither may nor must make that entry.

• conduct the subsequent flight under daytime VFR only.

  Incorrect. An unairworthy aircraft may not be flown at all until the discrepancy is resolved or properly deferred; restricting the conditions of flight does not cure it.