Who authorizes the release of an F/A-18 E/F for flight?

The release of an F/A-18 E/F for flight is typically authorized by the Squadron Maintenance Officer (SMO). This individual plays a critical role in ensuring that the aircraft is mission-ready and has passed all necessary inspections and maintenance checks before flight. The SMO is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair work, making certain that all safety protocols have been followed, and that any discrepancies have been resolved. The authority to release an aircraft for flight is grounded in the importance of operational safety and maintenance accountability.

While other roles are crucial in the overall flight operation process, such as the Aircraft Commander who may be responsible for the operational readiness of the aircraft from a flight perspective, the final sign-off for maintenance and release typically falls under the jurisdiction of the SMO. This structure ensures that the flight safety chain is tightly regulated and that qualified maintenance personnel are directly involved in the authorization process.