Aircraft Certificates and Documents (part 2)

Question 1

What are airworthiness directives (AD)? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 1

1. A notification to aircraft owners of unsafe conditions that exist and the conditions under which the aircraft may continue to be operated
2. ADs are regulatory; compliance is mandatory

Question 2

What are the two types of ADs? (FAA-H-8083-19)

Answer 2

1. Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight
2. Those of a less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time

Question 3

When are emergency ADs issued? (FAA-H-8083-19)

Answer 3

1. An emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator
2. All known owners and operators of U.S.-registered aircraft affected will be sent a copy of an emergency AD

Question 4

While reviewing the aircraft logbooks, you discover that your aircraft is not in compliance with an AD’s specified time or date. Are you allowed to continue to operate that aircraft until the next required maintenance inspection? Do the regulations allow any kind of buffer? (AC 39-7)

Answer 4

1. Not without an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) approval

Question 5

You determine that you need to fly your aircraft with an expired AD to another airport where a repair facility can do the work required by the AD. How can you accomplish this? (AC 39-7, 14 CFR 21.199)

Answer 5

1. Unless the AD states otherwise, you may apply to the FAA for a special flight permit

Question 6

What is a type certificate data sheet? (FAA-H-8083-30)

Answer 6

1. The type certificate data sheet (TCDS) lists the conditions and limitations under which an aircraft’s/component’s airworthiness requirements were met

Question 7

What is a supplemental type certificate? (FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-30, AC 21-40)

Answer 7

1. An STC is issued when alterations are made that are not specified in the TCDS

Question 8

What is an aircraft registration certificate and where must it be kept? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 8

1. Before an aircraft can be flown legally, it must be registered with the FAA Aircraft Registry
2. The Certificate of Aircraft Registration must be carried in the aircraft at all times

Question 9

Does an aircraft’s registration certificate have an expiration date? (14 CFR 47.31, 47.40)

Answer 9

1. A Certificate of Aircraft Registration expires seven years after it was issued
2. A temporary aircraft registration is valid for no more than 90 days

Question 10

Where can you find information on the placards and marking information required to be in the airplane? (FAA-H-8083-25, AC 60-6, 14 CFR 91.9, 14 CFR 23.1541)

Answer 10

1. The FAA type certificate data sheet
2. The required placards are also reproduced in the “Limitations” section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) or as directed by an AD

Question 11

What are several examples of placards and markings required in the airplane? (14 CFR 23.1545 through 23.1567)

Answer 11

1. Placards: Day-Night-VFR-IFR placard, “Flight Maneuvers Permitted” placard, “Maneuvering Speed” placard, “Compass Calibration Card,” etc
2. Markings: Airspeed indicator markings, cockpit control markings, fuel, oil, and coolant filler openings, etc