Definition
The inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and replacement of parts performed on an aircraft to keep it in an airworthy condition, as defined and regulated under 14 CFR Part 43. It does not include preventive maintenance, which is a separate, more limited category that certain pilots are authorized to perform.
Plain English
All the work done on an aircraft to keep it safe and legal to fly -- inspecting it, fixing things, replacing worn parts, and preserving it. In aviation, this is a specific regulated activity, not just general upkeep.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in FAA rules, aircraft records, preflight decisions, and discussions about whether an aircraft is approved to fly.
Derivation
From the Old French maintenir, meaning 'to hold in hand' or 'to keep up.' In aviation, the everyday sense of 'keeping something running' is narrowed to a defined set of tasks regulated by the FAA.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots are legally responsible for confirming that required maintenance has been completed before flight; skipping or misunderstanding it can result in unsafe aircraft or regulatory violations.
Intuition Check
Do not read maintenance as only cleaning, fueling, or general upkeep. In FAA aviation use, maintenance means regulated work that affects whether the aircraft is safe and legal to operate.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft was grounded until the required maintenance was completed and signed off in the logbook by a certificated mechanic.
Example Sentence 2
Proper maintenance ensures the airplane remains safe and meets FAA airworthiness standards.