What statement best reflects the relationship between Part 91 and Part 135 responsibilities?

• A. Part 91: The company is responsible for all safety oversight.
• B. Part 91: The pilot is entirely responsible for assuring aircraft and flight operations are legal and conducted safely and within the boundaries of the regulations.
• C. Part 135: The certificate holder has no responsibility for pilot training or aircraft maintenance.
• D. Part 135: The pilot bears sole responsibility for safety.

Answer: (B)

Under Part 91, the pilot in command bears primary responsibility for ensuring the flight is conducted legally and safely within the FARs. The PIC must know and apply the regulations for flight operations, weather, airworthiness, planning, and safe decision-making for that specific flight. This emphasizes that, in general aviation, regulatory accountability for the flight rests with the person in command.

Part 135 adds responsibilities on the certificate holder, including maintaining safety programs, training, and aircraft maintenance oversight. So the idea that the certificate holder has no responsibility for pilot training or maintenance is incorrect, and the notion that under Part 135 the pilot bears sole responsibility also isn’t accurate—the operator must ensure appropriate training and maintenance. The statement about Part 91 correctly highlights the pilot’s primary regulatory responsibility for the flight.