Which position is responsible for establishing preventive maintenance programs at a unit?

• A. Commanding officer
• B. Maintenance supervisor
• C. Operations officer
• D. Safety officer

Answer: (A)

Preventive maintenance programs are formal policies that ensure regular, planned inspections and servicing to keep equipment ready and safe. The person at the top of the unit’s chain of command sets these policies, allocates the necessary resources, and holds the unit accountable for compliance. That role is the commanding officer, who approves and signs off on maintenance policy and ensures the program aligns with regulations, manpower, and mission needs.

The maintenance supervisor handles day-to-day execution—scheduling, coordinating technicians, and making sure PM tasks get done on time within the established policy. The operations officer focuses on mission planning and flight operations, ensuring maintenance timelines fit the schedule, but not establishing the PM policy itself. The safety officer concentrates on safety hazards and risk controls related to maintenance work, safeguarding people and procedures, not issuing the overall PM program.