When should an aircraft's equipment list be updated?

The correct answer is that an aircraft's equipment list should be updated whenever equipment is installed or removed. This approach ensures that the equipment list accurately reflects the current state of the aircraft, which is crucial for safety, regulatory compliance, and operational procedures. Keeping the equipment list current helps in a variety of scenarios, such as maintenance planning, weight and balance calculations, and ensuring that the aircraft meets all required certification standards.

An updated equipment list is also vital for inspections and operations, as it serves as an official record of what is present on the aircraft at any given time.

Updating the equipment list solely during annual inspections or only for major modifications would not provide a complete view of the aircraft’s equipment status, and failing to update it after changes could lead to safety risks and regulatory issues. While updating at the time of the aircraft's sale is important, it should not be the only occasion when the list is revised, as it can have implications for ongoing operations and compliance in between sales.