Who is responsible for ensuring that maintenance procedures are followed correctly?

The responsibility for ensuring that maintenance procedures are followed correctly falls primarily on maintenance personnel. They are tasked with the hands-on execution of maintenance tasks, adhering to established procedures, standards, and regulations. This includes performing checks, repairs, and audits to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

While the aircraft owner does have a vested interest in the proper maintenance of their aircraft and is often responsible for ensuring that necessary maintenance is funded and performed, the day-to-day responsibility for carrying out those maintenance procedures lies with the skilled technicians and engineers. Additionally, federal regulations and regulatory bodies oversee compliance but do not directly perform the maintenance; their role is more about oversight and enforcement.

Regarding the role of the operating airline, while they certainly have a responsibility for their fleet's maintenance, this typically involves managing and ensuring that qualified maintenance personnel are in place to perform the work according to the standards set forth by aviation authorities.

Thus, the most accurate answer suggests a specific focus on those who execute the maintenance actions directly, which aligns with the critical role of maintenance personnel in aviation safety and compliance.