Airworthiness Requirements

Question 1

What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight? (14 CFR 91.203, 91.9)

Answer 1

Airworthiness Certificate (14 CFR §91.203)
Registration Certificate (14 CFR §91.203)
Radio Station License (if operating outside of U.S.; an FCC regulation) Operating Limitations—AFM/POH and supplements, placards, markings (14 CFR §91.9)
Weight and balance data (current)
Compass Deviation Card (14 CFR §23.1547)
External Data Plate/Serial Number (14 CFR §45.11)

Question 2

What is an airworthiness certificate? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 2

An airworthiness 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 safe operation. Under any circumstances, the aircraft must meet the requirements of the original type certificate or it is no longer airworthy. These certificates come in two different classifications: standard airworthiness and special airworthiness.

Question 3

What is the difference between standard and special airworthiness certificates? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 3

Standard airworthiness certificates (white paper) are issued for normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, or transport category aircraft. Special airworthiness certificates (pink paper) are issued for primary, restricted, or limited category aircraft, and light sport aircraft.

Question 4

What is an experimental airworthiness certificate? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 5

No. A standard airworthiness certificate remains 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 Parts 21, 43, and 91.

Question 6

Where must the airworthiness certificate be located? (14 CFR 91.203, FAA-H-8083-19)

Answer 6

The certificate must be displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew.

Question 7

For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met? (FAA-H-8083-19)

Answer 7

a. The aircraft must conform to its type design (type certificate). 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(s) (STC) and field-approval alterations.
b. The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation, referring to the condition of the aircraft in relation to wear and deterioration.

Question 8

Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation. (14 CFR Part 21)

Answer 8

a. For type design, a pilot must determine that the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations have been performed in accordance Parts 21, 43, and 91 and that the aircraft is registered in the U.S. 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.
b. For safe operation, 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 the inoperative equipment.

Question 9

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? (14 CFR 91.405)

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition? (14 CFR 91.403)

Answer 10

The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition.

Question 11

Describe some of the responsibilities an aircraft owner has pertaining to aircraft documents, maintenance, and inspections of their aircraft. (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 11

Aircraft owners must:

a. Have a current airworthiness certificate and aircraft registration in the aircraft.
b. Maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition including compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives.
c. Ensure maintenance is properly recorded.
d. Keep abreast of current regulations concerning the operation of that aircraft.
e. Notify the FAA Civil Aviation Registry immediately of any change of permanent mailing address, or of the sale or export of the aircraft, or of the loss of citizenship.
f. Have a current FCC radio station license if equipped with radios, including emergency locator transmitter (ELT), if operated outside of the United States.

Question 12

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

Answer 12

An AD is the 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. ADs are regulatory in nature, and compliance is mandatory. It is the aircraft owner’s or operator’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all pertinent ADs.

Question 13

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

Answer 13

ADs are divided into two categories: Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight, and those of a less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time.

Question 14

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

Answer 14

An emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator. The intent of an emergency AD is to rapidly correct an urgent safety-of-flight situation. All known owners and operators of affected U.S.-registered aircraft or those aircraft that have an affected product installed will be sent a copy of an emergency AD.

Question 15

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 15

The assumption that AD compliance is only required at the time of a required inspection (e.g., at a 100-hour or annual inspection) is not correct. The required compliance time/date is specified in each AD and no person may operate the affected product after expiration of that stated compliance time without an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) approval for a change in compliance time.

Question 16

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 16

Unless the AD states otherwise, you may apply to the FAA for a special flight permit following the procedures in 14 CFR §21.199.

Question 17

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

Answer 17

The FAA issues a type certificate when a new aircraft, engine, propeller, etc., is found to meet safety standards set forth by the FAA. The type certificate data sheet (TCDS) lists the specifications, conditions and limitations under which airworthiness requirements were met for the specified product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, maximum weight, minimum crew, etc.

Question 18

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

Answer 18

A supplemental type certificate (STC) is the FAA’s approval of a major change in the type design of a previously approved type certificated product. The certificate authorizes an alteration to an airframe, engine, or component that has been granted an approved type certificate. Sometimes alterations are made that are not specified or authorized in the TCDS. When that condition exists, an STC will be issued. STCs are considered a part of the permanent records of an aircraft, and should be maintained as part of that aircraft’s logs.

Question 19

What is an aircraft registration certificate? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 19

Before an aircraft can be flown legally, it must be registered with the FAA Aircraft Registry. The Certificate of Aircraft Registration, which is issued to the owner as evidence of the registration, must be carried in the aircraft at all times.

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Yes. A Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued in accordance with 14 CFR §47.31 expires three years after the last day of the month in which it was issued.

A temporary certification of registration is valid for no more than 90 days after the date the applicant signs the application.

Question 21

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 21

The principle source of information for identifying the required airplane flight manuals (AFM), approved manual materials, markings, and placards is the FAA type certificate data sheet or aircraft specification issued for each airplane eligible for an airworthiness certificate. The required placards are also reproduced in the “Limitations” section of the AFM or as directed by an AD.

Question 22

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

Answer 22

Placards—Day-Night-VFR-IFR placard, “Flight Maneuvers Permitted” placard, “Caution Control Lock Remove before Starting,” “Maneuvering Speed,” “Compass Calibration Card,” etc.
Markings—Airspeed indicator markings, cockpit control markings, fuel, oil, and coolant filler openings, etc.

Question 23

What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft? Include inspections for IFR. (14 CFR 91.409, 91.171, 91.411, 91.413, 91.207)

Answer 23

Annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months (14 CFR §91.409)
Airworthiness directives and life-limited parts complied with, as required (14 CFR §91.403, §91.417)
VOR equipment check every 30 days (for IFR ops) (14 CFR §91.171)
100-hour inspection, if used for hire or flight instruction in aircraft CFI provides (14 CFR §91.409)
Altimeter, altitude reporting equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected (for IFR ops) every 24 calendar months (14 CFR §91.411) Transponder tests and inspections, every 24 calendar months (14 CFR §91.413)
Emergency locator transmitter, operation and battery condition inspected every 12 calendar months (14 CFR §91.207)

Question 24

What is an “annual” inspection and which aircraft are required to have annual inspections? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 24

An annual inspection is a complete inspection of an aircraft and engine, required by the regulations and is required to be accomplished every 12 calendar months on all certificated aircraft. Only an A&P technician holding an Inspection Authorization can conduct an annual inspection.

Question 25

What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections? (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR 91.409)

Answer 25

a. All aircraft under 12,500 pounds (except turbojet/turbopropeller-powered multi-engine airplanes and turbine powered rotorcraft), used to carry passengers for hire.
b. Aircraft used for flight instruction for hire, when provided by the person giving the flight instruction.

Question 26

If an aircraft is operated for hire, is it required to have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection? (14 CFR 91.409)

Answer 26

Yes, if an aircraft is operated for hire it must have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection when due. If not operated for hire, only an annual inspection is required.

Question 27

What is the difference between an annual inspection and a 100-hour inspection? (14 CFR Part 43)

Answer 27

The main difference is who is allowed to perform these inspections. Only an A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization can perform an annual inspection. 100-hour inspections may be performed by any A&P mechanic (no IA required). Part 43, Appendix D (“Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections”) contains a list of items to be checked during inspections.

Question 28

If an aircraft has been on a schedule of inspection every 100 hours, under what condition may it continue to operate beyond the 100 hours without a new inspection? (14 CFR 91.409)

Answer 28

The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded by not more than 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be done. The excess time used to reach a place where the inspection can be done must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.

Question 29

If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 29

An aircraft overdue for an annual inspection may be operated under a Special Flight Permit issued by the FAA for the purpose of flying the aircraft to a location where the annual inspection can be performed. However, all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.

Question 30

What are “Special Flight Permits,” and when are they necessary? (14 CFR 91.213, 14 CFR 21.197)

Answer 30

A Special Flight Permit may be issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. These permits are typically issued for the following purposes:

a. Flying an aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage.
b. Delivering or exporting an aircraft.
c. Production flight testing new-production aircraft.
d. Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger.
e. Conducting customer demonstration flights in new-production aircraft that have satisfactorily completed production flight tests.

Question 31

How are “Special Flight Permits” obtained? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 31

If a special flight permit is needed, assistance and the necessary forms may be obtained from the local FSDO or Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).

Question 32

After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired, who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition? (14 CFR 91.7)

Answer 32

The pilot-in-command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. The pilot-in-command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy, mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.

Question 33

What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight? (14 CFR 91.407)

Answer 33

No person may operate or carry passengers in any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration that may have appreciably changed its flight characteristics or substantially affected its operation in flight until an appropriately-rated pilot with at least a private pilot certificate

a. Flies the aircraft;
b. Makes an operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and
c. Logs the flight in the aircraft records.

Question 34

Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard? (14 CFR 91.213)

Answer 34

Yes, under specific conditions. Part 91 describes acceptable methods for the operation of an aircraft with certain inoperative instruments and equipment that are not essential for safe flight—they are:

a. Operation of an aircraft with a Minimum Equipment List (MEL), as authorized by 14 CFR §91.213(a); or
b. Operation of an aircraft without a MEL under 14 CFR §91.213(d)

Question 35

What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR §91.213(d)? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 35

When inoperative equipment is found during preflight or prior to departure, the decision should be to cancel the flight, obtain maintenance prior to flight, or to defer the item or equipment. Maintenance deferrals are not used for inflight discrepancies. The manufacturer’s AFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations.

Question 36

During the preflight inspection in an aircraft that doesn’t have a MEL, you notice that an instrument or equipment item is inoperative. Describe how you will determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight. (14 CFR 91.213(d), FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 36

I will ask myself the following questions to determine if I can legally fly the airplane with the inoperative equipment item:
a. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment part of the VFR-day type certification?
b. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment listed as “Required” on the aircraft’s equipment list or “Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL)” for the type of flight operation being conducted?
c. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required by 14 CFR §91.205, §91.207 or any other rule of Part 91 for the specific kind of flight operation being conducted? (For example, VFR, IFR, day, night.)
d. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required to be operational by an AD?
If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, the aircraft is not airworthy and maintenance is required before I can fly. If the answer is “No” to any of these questions, then the inoperative instruments or equipment must be removed (by an A&P) from the aircraft, or deactivated and placarded “Inoperative.”

Question 37

What are Minimum Equipment Lists? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 37

The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a precise listing of instruments, equipment and procedures that allows an aircraft to be operated under specific conditions with inoperative equipment. The MEL is the specific inoperative equipment document for a particular make and model aircraft by serial and registration numbers; e.g., BE-200, N12345. The FAA-approved MEL includes only those items of equipment that the FAA deems may be inoperative and still maintain an acceptable level of safety with appropriate conditions and limitations. Note: Do not confuse an MEL with the aircraft’s equipment list. They are not the same.

Question 38

For an aircraft with an approved MEL, explain the decision sequence a pilot would use after discovering the position lights are inoperative. (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 38

With an approved MEL, if the position lights were discovered inoperative prior to a daytime flight, the pilot would make an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record provided for that purpose. The item is then either repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL. Upon confirming that daytime flight with inoperative position lights is acceptable in accordance with the provisions of the MEL, the pilot would leave the position lights switch OFF, open the circuit breaker (or whatever action is called for in the procedures document), and placard the position light switch as INOPERATIVE.

Question 39

Explain the limitations that apply to aircraft operations being conducted using an MEL. (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 39

The use of an MEL for a small, non-turbine-powered airplane operated under Part 91 allows for the deferral of inoperative items or equipment. The FAA considers an approved MEL to be a supplemental type certificate (STC) issued to an aircraft by serial number and registration number. Once an operator requests an MEL, and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) is issued by the FAA, then the MEL becomes mandatory for that aircraft. All maintenance deferrals must be done in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MEL and the operator-generated procedures document.

Question 40

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight? (14 CFR 91.205)

Answer 40

For VFR flight during the day, the following instruments and equipment are required:
Anti collision light system- aviation red or white for small airplanes certificated after March 11, 1996
Tachometer for each engine
Oil pressure gauge for each engine
Maniforld pressure gauge (for each altitude engine, I.e. turbocharged)
Altimeter
Temperature gauge for each liquid-cooled engine
Oil temperature gauge for each air-cooled engine
Fuel gauge indicating the quantity in each tank
Flotation gear - if operated for hire over water beyond power-off gliding distance from shore
Landing gear position indicator, if the airplane has retractable gear
Airspeed indicator
Magnetic direction indicator
Emergency locator transmitter (if required by 14 CFR §91.207)
Safety belts (and shoulder harnesses for each front seat in aircraft manufactured after 1978)

Question 41

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR night flight? (14 CFR 91.205)

Answer 41

For VFR flight at night, all the instruments and equipment for VFR day flight are required, plus the following:
Fuses - one spare set or three fuses of each kind required accessible to the pilot in flight
Landing light - if the aircraft is operated for hire
Anticollision light system - approved aviation red or white
Position lights - (navigation lights)
Source of electrical energy - adequate for all installed electrical and radio equipment

Question 42

Who can perform maintenance on an aircraft? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 42

FAA - certificated A&P mechanic, an A&P mechanic with Inspector Authorization, an appropriately-rated FAA-certificated repair station, or the aircraft manufacturer.

Question 43

Define preventive maintenance. (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR Part 43, AC 43-12)

Answer 43

Preventive maintenance means simple or minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts not involving complex assembly operations. Certificated pilots, excluding student pilots, sport pilots, and recreational pilots, may perform preventative maintenance on any aircraft that is owned or operated by them provided that aircraft is not used in air carrier service. Part 43 Appendix A identifies typical preventive maintenance operations which include such basic items as oil changes, wheel bearing lubrication, hydraulic fluid (brakes, landing gear system) refills.

Question 44

What logbook entry information is required of the person performing preventive maintenance? (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR 43.3)

Answer 44

All pilots who maintain or perform preventive maintenance must make an entry in the maintenance record of the aircraft. The entry must include a description of the work, the date of completion of the work performed, and an entry of the pilot’s name, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held.

Question 45

While inspecting the engine logbook of the rental aircraft you are planning to fly, you notice that the engine has exceeded its time between overhaul (TBO). Is it legal to fly this aircraft? (AC 20-105)

Answer 45

Yes. TBO is computed by the engine manufacturer and is a reliable estimate of the number of hours the engine could perform reliably within the established engine parameters an still not exceed the service wear limits for overhaul for major component parts such as the crankshaft, cam shaft, cylinders, connecting rods, and pistons. TBO times are make and model specific and the recommended overhaul times are usually identified in the engine manufacturer’s Service Bulletin or Letter. For Part 91 operations, compliance to the TBO is not a mandatory maintenance requirement.

Question 46

What are several good reasons for aircraft owners to comply with TBO times recommended by the manufacturer? (AC 20-105)

Answer 46

a. An overhaul at TBO will ensure safety and reliability
b. An engine overhaul at TBO is usually less expensive than an engine that has been run an additional 200 or 300 hours
c. Running the engine past TBO usually accelerates the overall wear of the engine due to bigger bearing tolerances, loss of protective materials such as plating or nitrating on the cylinder walls, and vibration caused by engine reciprocating parts that have worn unevenly and are now out of balance.

Question 47

During preflight, you discover that one of the position lights (installed equipment) is inoperative prior to a daytime flight. Can you legally conduct the flight? (14 CFR 91.213(d), FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 47

a

Question 48

While en route on a VFR cross-country, you notice that your vertical speed indicator is inoperative during a descent to your first fuel stop. Can you legally continue your cross country flight? If yes, what actions are required? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 48

a

Question 49

How can a pilot determine if all applicable airworthiness directives have been complied with for his/her airplane? (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR 91.417)

Answer 49

a

Question 50

Explain how you will “deactivate” an item or system that has become inoperative in your airplane. Can you deactivate any item or system in the airplane? What is required? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 50

a

Question 51

If the AFM for an aircraft you are about to fly is missing, what substitution may be made, if any? (14 CFR 91.9, FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 51

a

Question 52

As PIC, you have the responsibility for determining whether your aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. When flying rental aircraft, how can procedures regarding discrepancy records or “squawk” sheets, affect the total risk of a flight? (FAA Safety Briefing)

Answer 52

a

Question 53

You have just completed the first leg of a long cross country and notice that the oil level is approaching the on equate low mark. As a private pilot, can you add the quart of oil yourself or is a mechanic required? (14 CFR Part 43)

Answer 53

a

Question 54

What are Special Airworthiness Safety Bulletins (SAIB)? Are they regulatory (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 54

a

Question 55

During your preflight inspection, you discover that the left main tire on your aircraft has a large flat spot with nylon cord showing. You wisely decide that this is unacceptable and the tire should be replaced before flight. Do the regulations allow the pilot to perform this maintenance or must it be performed by a licensed mechanic (A&P)? (14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, Paragraph C- Preventative Maintenance)

Answer 55

a

Question 56

A 100-hour inspection was due at 3,302.5 hours. the 100 hour inspection was actually done at 3,309.5 hours. When is the next 100 - hour inspection due? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 56

3,402.5