What does the regulation require regarding the disposition of records of Airworthiness Directives when an aircraft is sold?

The regulation mandates that the seller must transfer the records of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to the buyer when an aircraft is sold. This requirement ensures that the new owner has complete access to the history of all ADs applicable to the aircraft, helping them understand its maintenance status and any compliance issues that need to be addressed.

Maintaining these records is crucial for safety and compliance with aviation regulations, as they provide a comprehensive overview of the maintenance and modifications made to the aircraft. This transfer of documentation is a vital part of the aircraft sale process, as it upholds the continuity of airworthiness and safety standards established by aviation authorities. Having this information readily available allows the new owner to make informed decisions about future maintenance, inspections, and operations of the aircraft.

Other options do not align with regulatory requirements; for instance, shredding the records would prevent the new owner from receiving essential information about the aircraft's AD compliance. Discarding records without verifying that no major alterations were made could lead to oversight of critical updates that affect safety and legality. Furthermore, only transferring electronic records would not fulfill the complete obligation to ensure the new owner has all relevant documentation related to the aircraft.