Airworthiness Requirements

The airworthiness of an aircraft is the foundation of safe flight. As a pilot, it’s your responsibility to ensure the aircraft meets all regulatory and mechanical requirements before takeoff. This guide explains the key airworthiness requirements, documentation, inspections, and regulations that ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).

1. Definition of Airworthiness

According to the FAA, an aircraft is airworthy if it meets two conditions:

• Conforms to its type design: The aircraft must match the specifications in its approved type certificate and supplemental type certificates (if applicable).
• In a condition for safe operation: The aircraft must be free from any defects or conditions that could compromise safety.

2. Required Documents for Airworthiness

Use the acronym ARROW to ensure the required documents are onboard the aircraft:

• A: Airworthiness Certificate – Confirms the aircraft is approved for operation.
• R: Registration Certificate – Identifies the owner and registration of the aircraft.
• R: Radio Station License – Required for international flights.
• O: Operating Limitations – Found in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or placards in the cockpit.
• W: Weight and Balance – Ensures the aircraft is loaded within allowable limits.

3. Required Inspections

To maintain airworthiness, aircraft must undergo regular inspections. Use the acronym AV1ATE to ensure all required inspections are current:

• A: Annual Inspection – Required every 12 calendar months for all aircraft.
• V: VOR Check – Required every 30 days for IFR operations.
• 1: 100-Hour Inspection – Required for aircraft used for hire or flight instruction.
• A: Altimeter and Pitot-Static System – Required every 24 months for IFR operations.
• T: Transponder – Required every 24 months.
• E: ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) – Required every 12 calendar months, or after 1 cumulative hour of use or half of the battery life is expired.

4. Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

Airworthiness Directives are legally enforceable rules issued by the FAA to correct unsafe conditions in an aircraft or its components. There are two types of ADs:

• Recurrent ADs: Must be complied with at regular intervals (e.g., every 100 hours).
• One-Time ADs: Must be complied with only once.

Pilots and aircraft operators are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable ADs. They can be found on the FAA website or through the aircraft manufacturer.

5. Pilot’s Preflight Responsibilities

According to FAR 91.7, the pilot in command (PIC) is responsible for determining the airworthiness of the aircraft prior to every flight. This includes:

• Ensuring all required documents are onboard.
• Verifying the currency of inspections.
• Conducting a thorough preflight inspection to check for mechanical issues, fuel levels, and general aircraft condition.
• Confirming compliance with weight and balance limitations.

6. Minimum Equipment Requirements

If an aircraft has inoperative equipment, its airworthiness may still be maintained if the equipment is not required by regulations. Use the following steps to determine if the aircraft can be flown legally:

6.1 Check Required Equipment Using FAR 91.205

FAR 91.205 specifies the minimum equipment required for different types of operations (VFR day, VFR night, IFR). For example:

• VFR Day: Use the acronym A TOMATO FLAMES:
  • A: Altimeter
  • T: Tachometer
  • O: Oil Pressure Gauge
  • M: Manifold Pressure Gauge (for altitude engines)
  • A: Airspeed Indicator
  • T: Temperature Gauge (for liquid-cooled engines)
  • O: Oil Temperature Gauge
  • F: Fuel Gauge
  • L: Landing Gear Position Indicator (if retractable gear)
  • A: Anti-Collision Lights
  • M: Magnetic Compass
  • E: ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)
  • S: Seat Belts

6.2 Use the Aircraft’s MEL or Kinds of Operation Equipment List

• If the aircraft has a Minimum Equipment List (MEL), it will specify what equipment can be inoperative for flight.
• If the aircraft has no MEL, refer to the Kinds of Operation Equipment List (KOEL) in the POH, if applicable.

6.3 Placard or Remove Inoperative Equipment

• If the equipment is not required for the intended operation, it must be placarded as "INOPERATIVE" or removed and noted in the maintenance log.

7. Special Flight Permits

If an aircraft is not airworthy but can be flown safely, a Special Flight Permit (commonly called a "Ferry Permit") may be issued by the FAA for specific purposes, such as:

• Flying the aircraft to a location for repairs or maintenance.
• Delivering or exporting the aircraft.
• Conducting production flight tests.

Contact the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to obtain a Special Flight Permit.

8. Conclusion

Airworthiness requirements are a critical part of aviation safety. Pilots must ensure compliance with FARs, conduct thorough preflight inspections, and verify that all documentation, inspections, and equipment meet regulatory standards. By adhering to these requirements, you can confidently operate your aircraft while prioritizing safety for yourself and others.