What specific question must be asked for maintenance flights?

• A. Has the flight plan been filed?
• B. Has maintenance control approved this flight?
• C. What is the expected duration of the flight?
• D. Are there any passengers on board?

Answer: (B)

For maintenance flights, it is essential to confirm whether maintenance control has approved the flight. This approval ensures that the aircraft is deemed airworthy and safe for operation after any maintenance work has been performed. Authorization from maintenance control verifies that all necessary inspections and repairs have been completed and that the aircraft can operate within safety standards.

The process of checking for approval is crucial because maintenance activities can significantly impact the aircraft's performance. If a flight is conducted without proper clearance, it could pose risks to safety as well as violate regulatory requirements. Consequently, the approval from maintenance indicates readiness for flight and compliance with operational protocols.

While the other options are relevant inquiries in many contexts, they do not carry the same weight of necessity that the approval from maintenance control does in the context of maintenance flights.