Under which condition can an aircraft carrying passengers for hire operate beyond 100 hours without a new inspection?

The correct answer regarding the operation of an aircraft carrying passengers for hire beyond the 100-hour inspection limit is that it can be exceeded by 10 hours to reach an inspection facility. This provision allows for a limited extension beyond the regulatory requirement, under the condition that the aircraft is en route to an appropriate maintenance facility where the inspection can be performed.

This rule comes from the need for aircraft operators to have flexibility in maintaining their aircraft while ensuring safety and compliance with maintenance requirements. The 10-hour extension is specifically designed to prevent situations where an aircraft could be grounded simply because it reached its inspection limit while still being operationally safe.

The other options do not align with regulatory guidelines. For instance, exceeding the limit by 20 hours, continuing operations indefinitely, or only operating under a maintenance plan do not reflect the specific regulatory stipulations concerning inspections. These options would compromise both safety and compliance, which is why the allowance for a 10-hour extension exists under the proper conditions.