Where must the fireproof plate bearing the aircraft registration be located?

The requirement for the fireproof plate bearing the aircraft registration to be located in a manner that is visible to a person on the ground is essential for several reasons, primarily related to safety and identification. The purpose of having the registration plate visible is to ensure that first responders and authorities can quickly identify the aircraft in the event of an emergency or accident. This visibility fosters better situational awareness and can be crucial in search and rescue operations.

Moreover, regulations mandate that the registration mark or plate be affixed in a location ensuring it is readable and accessible from the ground. This helps maintain aviation safety standards and compliance with regulatory requirements, as it aids in the quick identification of the aircraft by maintenance personnel, law enforcement, and emergency responders.

While options suggesting placement inside the cockpit or in the pilot’s operational manual may serve certain organizational or operational functions, they do not meet the regulatory requirement for visibility and identification from external sources. The option indicating that it be located on the tail, while a common location for many aircraft, does not specifically address the critical aspect of being visible to a person on the ground, which is why the correct answer emphasizes this need.