What are the required maintenance tasks for an aircraft's airworthiness?

The required maintenance tasks for an aircraft's airworthiness fundamentally include a combination of annual inspections and 100-hour inspections where applicable. An annual inspection is mandated by the FAA for all general aviation aircraft and must be performed at least once every 12 calendar months to ensure compliance with safety and airworthiness standards.

On the other hand, the 100-hour inspection is specifically required for aircraft that are used for hire, such as those flown by flight schools or charter companies. This inspection is similar in scope to the annual inspection but is required after every 100 hours of operation. Together, these inspections are integral to maintaining the aircraft's operational integrity and safety, as they involve checking key components, systems, and structural elements of the aircraft.

The other options do not provide a comprehensive or regulatory basis for maintaining airworthiness. Monthly inspections without thorough checks would not meet the annual federal requirements, and daily inspections are generally insufficient to capture all potential issues that may arise over longer periods. Similarly, quarterly maintenance checks are not a standard requirement and do not encompass the same thoroughness and frequency needed for airworthiness determination. Therefore, the combination of annual and 100-hour inspections is critical in ensuring that an aircraft is safe and airworthy for flight operations.