Airworthiness Requirements Flashcards
What documents are required on board and aircraft prior to flight?
Airworthiness Certificate Registration certificate Radio Station License Operating Limitations Weight and Balance
What is an airworthiness certificate?
An A/W certificate is issued by the FAA to an aircraft that has been proven to meet the minimum design and manufacturing requirements and is condition for same operations. Under any circumstance the A/C must meet the requirements of the original type certificate or it is no longer airworthy. These certificates come in two different classifications: standard and special
What is the difference between a standard and special airworthiness certificate
Standard airworthiness certificates (white paper) are issued for normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, or transport category aircraft. Special airworthiness certificate (pink paper) are issued for primary, restricted, or limited category aircraft and light sport aircraft
What is an experimental airworthiness certificate
A special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category is issued to operate an aircraft that does not have a type certificate or does not conform to its type certificate yet is in a condition for safe operation. Additionally, this certificate is issued to operate a primary category kit-built aircraft that was assembled without the supervision and quality control of the production certificate holder
Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date?
No. A standard airworthiness certificate remain valid for as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design, is in a condition for safe operation, and the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR Part 21, 43, and 91
Where must the airworthiness certificate be located
The certificate must be displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers and crew
For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met?
The aircraft must conform to its type design. This is attained when the required and proper components are installed consistent with the drawings, specifications, and other data that are part of the type certificate. Conformity includes applicable supplemental type certificate and field approve alterations
The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operations, referring to the condition of the aircraft in relation to wear and deterioration
Explain how a pilot determine if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation
For type design, a pilot must determine that the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations have been performed in accordance 14 CFR part 21, 43, and 91 and that the aircraft is registered in the US. The pilot does this by ensuring that all required inspections, maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs, and alterations have been appropriately documented in the aircraft’s maintenance records
For safe operations, the pilot conducts a thorough preflight inspection of the aircraft for wear and deterioration, structural damage, fluid leaks, tire wear, inoperative instruments and equipment, etc. If an unsafe condition exists or inoperative instruments or equipment are found, the pilot uses the guidance in 14 CFR 91.213 for handling inoperative equipment.
What records or documents should be checked to determine that the owner or operator of an aircraft has complied with all required inspections and airworthiness directives?
The maintenance records (aircraft and engine logbooks). Each owner or operator of an aircraft shall ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service
Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?
The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition
Describe some of the responsibilities an aircraft owner has pertaining to aircraft documents, maintenance, and inspections of their aircraft
Owners must:
Have current airworthiness certificate and aircraft registration in the aircraft
Maintain the A/C in an airworthy condition including compliance with all applicable AD’s
Ensure maintenance is properly recorded
Keep abreast of current regulations concerning the operation of that aircraft
Notify the FAA of any changes of mail address, sale or export of the A/C or loss of citizenship
Have a current FCC radio license if required
What are airworthiness directives
A medium by which the FAA notifies aircraft owners and other potentially interested persons of unsafe conditions that may exist because of design defects, maintenance, or other causes, and specifies the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated. AD’s are regulatory in nature, and compliance is mandatory.
What are the two types of AD
Emergency requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight and less urgent ones requiring compliance within a specific period of time
When are emergency AD’s issued
Whenever an unsafe conditions exists that requires immediate action by the owner/operator
What is a type certificate data sheet
The FAA issues type certificates whenever a new A/C, engine, or prop is found to meet safety standards set forth by the FAA. The TCDS lists the specifications, conditions, and limitations under which airworthiness requirements were met for the specific product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, maximum weight, min. crew etc.
What is a supplemental type certificate
FAA’s approval of a major change in the type design of a previously approved type certificated product. It authorizes an alteration to an airframe, engine, or components that has been granted and approved type certificate. STC are part of the permanent records of an A/C