Who is authorized to waive the top of airplane inspection?

• A. The Aircraft Commander
• B. The Maintenance Supervisor
• C. The Mission Commander
• D. QA Inspector

Answer: (A)

The person who has the authority to waive the top-of-airplane inspection is the Aircraft Commander. This role carries the final responsibility for the safety of the flight and for releasing the aircraft for operation. If a non-critical inspection item is discovered, the Aircraft Commander may approve continuing the flight with proper documentation and risk mitigation, provided the safety of the flight is not compromised.

The Maintenance Supervisor, QA Inspector, and Mission Commander all play important safety and oversight roles, but they do not have the unilateral authority to waive required inspections for flight. Their responsibilities are to ensure maintenance is performed correctly, procedures are followed, and the mission is planned safely, while the Aircraft Commander makes the flight-release decision.