A certificated mechanic may perform which of the following inspections?

A certificated mechanic is authorized to perform specific inspections as part of their role in maintaining aircraft safety and compliance. Among the inspections mentioned, the 100-hour inspection is a critical maintenance task typically performed on aircraft that are used for hire or flight instruction and that exceed 100 flight hours since the last inspection.

The 100-hour inspection is similar in scope to an annual inspection but is designed to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness at shorter intervals. This type of inspection covers various aspects of the aircraft, including the instruments, to confirm that they are functioning within the regulatory standards. It's essential for maintaining safety and compliance in operations involving frequent use of the aircraft.

The other options either describe inspections that require a higher level of certification or are not explicitly outlined as tasks for a certificated mechanic. For instance, annual inspections are typically carried out by a certified inspector with an Inspection Authorization (IA), while pre-flight inspections are the responsibility of the pilot. Routine maintenance encompasses general upkeep and minor repairs, which could be authorized, but does not specifically focus on inspections like the 100-hour check does. Thus, the choice highlighting the 100-hour inspection aligns with the certificated mechanic's qualifications and responsibilities.