Airworthiness Requirements Flashcards
What is an Airworthiness Certificate?
An Airworthiness Certificate is issued by a representative from the FAA after an aircraft has been inspected, is found to meet the requirements of 14 CFR part 21, and is in condition for safe operation.
This Certificate must be displayed in the aircraft so it is legible to the passenger and crew whenever it is operated.
The Airworthiness Certificate should be kept with the aircraft, unless sold to a foreign purchaser.
What’s the difference between a standard and a special airworthiness certificate?
Standard
1. White Paper
2. Issued for: Normal, Utility, Transport, Acrobatic, Commuter, and Manned Free Balloons
Special Airworthiness Certificate
1. Pink Paper
2. Issued for all aircraft not in standard classification: Experimental, Restricted, Limited, Provisional and Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA)
What is an experimental Airworthiness Certificate?
This is issued in order to operate an aircraft that does not have a type certificate or doesn’t conform to its type certificate yet, but is in safe condition for operation.
Does an Airworthiness Certificate have an expiration date?
No. As long as it’s:
- In safe condition for operation
- Maintenance, and preventative maintenance and alterations are performed in accordance with Parts 21, 43 and 91
For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what 2 conditions must be met?
- The aircraft must conform to its type design (type certificate)
- Attained when required and proper components are installed consistent with the drawings, specifications, and other data that are part of the type certificate.
- Includes applicable supplemental type certificate (STC) and field approval alterations
- Aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation, referring to the condition of the aircraft in relation to wear and deterioration
Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation.
- For a type design, a pilot must determine that the maintenance, preventative maint., and alterations have been performed in accordance with Part 21, 43 and 91, and that the aircraft is registered in the U.S.
- This is done by ensuring all required inspections, maintenance, preventative 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, inop instruments and equipment, etc.
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)
Maintenance record (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 a airworthy condition? (14 CFR 91.403)
The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition.
What are Airworthiness Directives (AD)? (FAA-H-8083-25)
- These are directives that are mandatory and regulatory for pilots.
- They’re issued in case of unsafe conditions that exist
- It is the owner or operator’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all pertinent ADs
What are the types of AD’s?
- Emergency: Issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator.
- Urgent: Less urgent that emergency AD’s and require compliance within a specified period of time.
Who can perform the annual inspection?
It has to be an A&P mechanic with and IA certificate. (Inspection Authorization Certificate)
Who can perform 100hr inspection?
Any A&P can perform the 100hr inspection
