In accordance with the PCAR, which maintenance task is permitted to be performed by a pilot?

The maintenance task that is permitted to be performed by a pilot, according to the Pilot and Cockpit Aircraft Regulations (PCAR), is elementary work. This category encompasses tasks that are deemed straightforward and do not require specialized skills or extensive technical knowledge. Examples of elementary work include simple maintenance activities such as replacing a light bulb, cleaning, or checking fluid levels.

Pilots are trained to ensure the operational integrity and safety of the aircraft, but they are generally not authorized to perform more complex maintenance tasks that could involve significant technical decision-making or specialized skill sets, which would fall under preventive maintenance, line maintenance, or base maintenance. These categories typically require certification from licensed mechanics or authorized personnel due to the complexity and safety implications associated with those tasks. Therefore, elementary work remains the only maintenance task that pilots can legally undertake under the PCAR framework.