Airworthiness Requirements

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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 2

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

Answer 2

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 3

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

Show Answer

Answer 3

14 CFR 91.409)
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 4

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?

Answer 4

(14 CFR 91.405)

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 5

What are Minimum Equipment Lists? (AC 91-67)

Answer 5

list of equipment which may be inoperative during a particular phase of flight. Beach Cities does not have an MEL therefore I’d have to check out the following for inop equipment:

1) MEL?
2) TCSD?
3) KOEL?
4) POH?
5) 91.205 b,c,d
6) AD?

Note: Do not confuse an MEL with the aircraft’s equipment list. They are not the same.

Question 6

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

Answer 6

14 CFR 91.213(d)

Maintenance deferrals are not used for inflight discrepancies. The manufacturer’s AFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations.

Question 7

Define “preventive maintenance.” (FAA-H-8083-25,

Answer 7

14 CFR Part 43, AC 43-12
typical preventive maintenance operations include such basic items as oil changes, wheel bearing lubrication, hydraulic fluid (brakes, landing gear system) refills.

Certificated pilots, excluding student pilots, sport pilots, and recreational pilots, may perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft that is owned or operated by them provided that aircraft is not used in air carrier service.

Exam Tip: Know where to look in the regulations for items approved for preventive maintenance: 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, Paragraph C—Preventive Maintenance.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

An airworthiness directive (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 9

what is a Special airworthiness information bulletin

Answer 9

A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is an information tool that alerts, educates, and makes recommendations to the aviation community. SAIBs contain non-regulatory information and guidance that does not meet the criteria for an Airworthiness Directive (AD).

Question 10

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

Answer 10

(14 CFR 91.407)

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 11

What are several examples of placards and markings required in the airplane?

Show Answer

Answer 11

(14 CFR 23.1545 through 23.1567)

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 12

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

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation.

Answer 13

(14 CFR Part 21)

a. For type design, the pilot ensures 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

Question 14

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

Answer 14

like the DNA of the airplane - lists specs for the aircraft, engine propeller etc. Fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, max weight.

Extra 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 15

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

Show Answer

Answer 15

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

Question 16

what is a KOEL

Answer 16

The KOEL is used as part of the process of determining if an aircraft with inoperative equipment is airworthy. The KOEL is typically published by the aircraft manufacturer as part of the Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).

Question 17

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

Answer 17

An emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator.

Exam Tip: ADs and recurring ADs—Be capable of finding and explaining the status of all ADs and recurring ADs that exist for your aircraft. Locate and tab prior to the practical test.

Question 18

Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition?

Answer 18

(14 CFR 91.403)

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

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 20

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

Answer 20

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 21

What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft? Include inspections for IFR.

Answer 21

14 CFR 91.409, 91.171, 91.411, 91.413, 91.207

A Annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months (14 CFR 91.409)

A Airworthiness directives and life-limited parts complied with, as required (14 CFR 91.403, 91.417)

V VOR equipment check every 30 days (for IFR ops) (14 CFR 91.171)

1 100-hour inspection, if used for hire or flight instruction in aircraft CFI provides (14 CFR 91.409)

A Altimeter, altitude reporting equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected (for IFR ops) every 24 calendar months (14 CFR 91.411)

T Transponder tests and inspections, every 24 calendar months (14 CFR 91.413)

E Emergency locator transmitter, operation and battery condition inspected every 12 calendar months (14 CFR 91.207)

S static instruments 24 mos

Exam Tip: Be prepared to locate all of the required inspections, ADs, life-limited parts, etc. in the aircraft and engine logbooks and be able to determine when the next inspections are due. Create an aircraft status sheet that indicates the status of all required inspections, ADs, life limited, parts, etc. and/or use post-it notes to tab the specific pages in the aircraft and engine logbooks. Write the due date of the next inspection on the post-it note.

Question 22

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

Show Answer

Answer 22

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

extra: 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.

Question 23

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight?

Show Answer

Answer 23

(14 CFR 91.205)

For VFR flight during the day, the following instruments and equipment are required:

A nticollision light system—aviation red or white for small airplanes certificated after March 11, 1996

T achometer for each engine

O il pressure gauge for each engine

M anifold pressure gauge (for each altitude engine, i.e. turbocharged)

A ltimeter

T emperature gauge for each liquid-cooled engine

O il temperature gauge for each air-cooled engine

F uel gauge indicating the quantity in each tank

F lotation gear—if operated for hire over water beyond power-off gliding distance from shore

L anding gear position indicator, if the airplane has retractable gear

A irspeed indicator

M agnetic direction indicator

E mergency locator transmitter (if required by 14 CFR 91.207)

S afety belts (and shoulder harnesses for each front seat in aircraft manufactured after 1978)

Question 24

Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard?

Answer 24

(14 CFR 91.213,
AC 91-67)

Yes, under specific conditions —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)

Exam Tip: Know this regulation well—unfamiliarity with 14 CFR 91.213 is a common weakness of applicants at all levels. You must demonstrate that you know this regulation and how to apply it.

Question 25

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)

Show Answer

Answer 25

With an approved MEL, if the position lights were discovered inoperative prior to a daytime flight, the pilot would:

1) Enter: make an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record provided for that purpose.
2) Repair/Defer: The item is then either repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL.
3) Placard. 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 26

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 26

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 27

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 27

(14 CFR 91.7)

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 28

What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?

Answer 28

(14 CFR 91.203, 91.9)

A irworthiness Certificate (14 CFR 91.203)

R egistration Certificate (14 CFR 91.203)

R adio Station License (if operating outside of U.S.; an FCC regulation)

O perating Limitations—AFM/POH and supplements, placards, markings (14 CFR 91.9)

W eight and balance data (current)

E xternal Data Plate/Serial Number (14 CFR 45.11)

D eviation Card (14 CFR 23.1547)

Exam Tip: During the practical test your evaluator may wish to examine the various required aircraft documents (ARROW) during the preflight inspection, as well as the currency of any aeronautical charts, EFB data, etc. on board the aircraft. Prior to the test, verify that all of the necessary aircraft documentation, on-board databases and charts are current and available.

Question 29

Does an aircraft’s registration certificate have an expiration date?

Show Answer

Answer 29

(14 CFR 47.31, 47.40)

Yes - 3 years

extra: 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 30

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?

Show Answer

Answer 30

(14 CFR 91.409)

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.

extra: 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 31

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR night flight?

Answer 31

(14 CFR 91.205)

For VFR flight at night, all the instruments and equipment for VFR day flight are required, plus the following:

F uses—one spare set or three fuses of each kind required accessible to the pilot in flight

L anding light—if the aircraft is operated for hire

A nticollision light system—approved aviation red or white

P osition lights—(navigation lights)

S ource of electrical energy—adequate for all installed electrical and radio equipment

Question 32

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

Answer 32

1) Emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight
2) Less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time.

Question 33

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

Answer 33

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.

extra: 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 34

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

Answer 34

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.

extra: 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 35

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

Show Answer

Answer 35

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 14 CFR Parts 21, 43, and 91.

Question 36

What are “Special Flight Permits,” and when are they necessary?

Show Answer

Answer 36

14 CFR 91.213, 14 CFR 21.197)

A Special Flight Permit may be issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight.

Extra: 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 te

Question 37

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

Answer 37

14 CFR 43.3

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 38

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

Answer 38

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 39

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.), AC 91-67, FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 39

(14 CFR 91.213(d

at beach cities - if something is broken I’d have to go in this order to figure out if the equipment is required: Is the equipment required under:

1) MEL?
2) TCSD?
3) KOEL?
4) POH?
5) 91.205 b,c,d
6) 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.”

Note: See Appendix 3 for further explanation of this regulation.

Exam Tip: If an instrument or equipment item is inoperative in your aircraft, be able to explain how you will determine if the aircraft is airworthy and legal for flight.

Question 40

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

Answer 40

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.

Issued to operate a primary category kit-built aircraft

Question 41

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 41

The TCDS or Limitations section of the AFM

Extra: The principle source of information for identifying the required Airplane Flight Manuals, 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 42

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

Answer 42

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 43

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

Answer 43

(14 CFR Part 43)

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.

extra: 100-hour inspections may be performed by any A&P mechanic (no IA required). 14 CFR 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 44

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

Answer 44

(14 CFR 91.409)

Yes

Extra: 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.