Airworthiness Requirements

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)

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)

You have just completed the first leg of a long cross country and notice that the oil level is approaching the one quart low mark. As a private pilot, can you add the quart of oil yourself or is a mechanic required?

(14 CFR Part 43)

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 departure. Do regulations allow the pilot to perform this maintenance or must be performed by a licensed mechanic (A&P)?

(14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, Paragraph C - Preventive Maintenance)

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 flight?

(FAA Safety Briefing)

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 due?

(FAA-H-8083-25)

What are Special Airworthiness Safety Bulletins (SAIB)? Are they regulatory ?

(FAA-H-8083-25)

are AFM supplements required to be on board the airplane?

(FAA-H-8083-25)

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)

Explain how you will "deactivate" an item or a 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, AC 91-67)

Who can perform maintenance on an aircraft ?

1) FAA-certificated A&P mechanic 2) A&P mechanic with Inspector Authorization 3) Appropriately-rated FAA-certificated repair station 4) Aircraft manufacturer

What is a supplemental type certificate ?

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

What are "Special flight permits," and when are they necessary ?

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 are issued typically 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 a plane. c. Production flight testing new-product aircraft. d. Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger. e. Conducting customer demonstration flights in new - production aircraft that have satisfactory completed production flight test.

What is an experimental airworthiness certificate ?

A specific 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 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.

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

A- Annual insp. every 12 calendar months A- AD's and life limited parts complied with as required. V- VOR equip. check for every 30 days (IFR) 1- 100 hour insp. if for hire or flight instruction A- Altimeter, altitude reporting equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected (IFR) every 24 calender months. T- Transponder tests and insp every 24 calender months. E- ELT, operation and battery condition insp every 12 calender months.

What are the two types of AD's ?

AD's 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.

Describe some of the responsibilities an aircraft owner has pertaining to aircraft documents, maintenance, and inspection of their aircraft ?

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 AD's. c. Ensure maintenance is properly recorded. d. Keep abreast of current regulations concerning the operation of the aircraft. e. Notify the FAA civil aviation registry immediately of any change of permanent mailing address, or the sale or export of the aircraft, or loss of citizenship. f. Have a current FCC radio license if equipped with radios, including ELT if operating outside of the US.

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

Airworthiness Certificate Registration Certificate Radio License Owners Manual or operating limitations Weight and balance data

What logbook entry information is required of the person performing preventive maintenance?

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, date of completion of the work performed, and an entry of the pilots name, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held.

What are Airworthiness Directives?

An AD is the medium used by the FAA to notify aircraft owners and other potentially interested persons of unsafe conditions that may exist because of design defects, maintenance, other causes, and to specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated. AD's are regulatory in nature, and compliance is mandatory. Its the aircraft owner's or operator's responsibility to ensure compliance with all pertinent AD's.

If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed?

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 can be performed. However all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.

What is an "annual" inspection and which aircraft are required to have annual inspections ?

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 certified aircraft. Only an A&P Technician holding an IA can conduct an annual inspection.

When are emergency ADs issued?

An emergency is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by 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 affected product installed will be sent a copy of an emergency AD.

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight?

Anti-collision light system- aviation red or white for small planes certificated after March 11, 1996. Tachometer for each engine. Oil Pressure gauge for each engine. Manifold Pressure gauge (for altitude engine). Altimeter. Temperature gauge for each liquid - cooled engine. Oil temperature gauge for each oil-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 plane has retractable gear. Airspeed Indicator Magnetic direction indicator ELT (if required by 14 CFR 91.207) Safety Belts (and shoulder harness for each front seat in aircraft manufactured after 1978)

What is an aircraft registration certificate?

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

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 will you determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight.

I will ask myself the following questions to determine if I can legally fly the airplane with the inoperative equipment item: a. are the inop instruments or equipment part of the VFR-day type certification ? b. are the inop instruments or equipment listed as "Required" on the aircraft's equipment list or "Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL)" for the type of fight operation being conducted ? c. are the inoperative instruments or equipment required by 14 CFR 91.205, 91.207 or any rule of 14 CFR Part 91 for the specific kind of flight operation being conducted ? d. are the inop 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 inop instruments or equipment must be removed (by an A&P) from the aircraft or deactivated and placarded "INOP."

How are "Special Fight Permits" obtained ?

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

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR night flight ?

In addition from the VFR day instrument and equipment: Fuses - one spare set or three fuses of each kind accessible to the pilot in flight. Landing light- if the aircraft is operated for hire Anti collision light system- approved aviation red or white. Position Lights (Navigation Lights) Source of Electrical Energy - adequate for all installed electrical and radio equipment.

What is an airworthiness certificate?

Issued by the FAA to an aircraft that has been proven to meet the minimum design and manufacturing requirements and is in condition for safe operation. Under any circumstances, the aircraft must meet the requirements of the original type certificate or it's no longer airworthy. These certificates in two different classifications: standard airworthiness and special airworthiness.

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

No person may operate or carry passengers in any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive 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.

Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date?

No. A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid for as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design, in a condition for safe operation, the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR 21,43, and 91.

What is the difference between an annual inspection and a 100-hour inspection ?

Only an A&P mechanic with an IA can perform an annual inspection. 100 hour inspections may be performed by an A&P mechanic (no IA required).

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

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.

Define "preventive maintenance."

Preventive Maintenance means simple or minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts not involving complex assembly operations. Certificated 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. (14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A lists typical preventive Maintenance)

What is the difference between standard and special airworthiness certificates ?

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

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 ?

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

What is a Type Certificate Data Sheet?

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 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.

What are Minimum Equipment Lists ?

The MEL is 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 number.

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 or crew.

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. 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.

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

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

Where can you find information on the placards and marking information required to be in the airplane ?

The principle source of information for identifying the required placards is 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.

Explain the limitations that apply to aircraft operations being conducted using an MEL.

The use of an MEL for 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 (STC) issued to an aircraft by serial number and registration number.

What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR 91.213 (d)?

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 in flight discrepancies. The manufacturer's AFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations.

For an aircraft with an approved MEL, explain the decision sequence a pilot would use after discovering the position lights are inop.

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 the daytime flight with inoperative lights position lights is acceptable in accordance with provisions of the MEL, the pilot would leave the position lights switch OFF, open the circut breaker (whatever the action calls for in the procedures document) and placard the position light switch as inoperative.

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

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 is required.

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

Yes, under specific conditions. 14 CFR 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 MEL, authorized by 14 CFR 91.213 (a) b. Operation of an aircraft without a MEL under 14 CFR 91.213 (a)

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

Yes. A certificate of Aircraft Registration issued in accordance with 14 CFR 47.31 expires 3 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.

What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections?

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

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

a. For a troupe design, a pilot must determine that the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations have been performed in accordance 14 CFR Parts 21,43, and 91 and that the aircraft is registered in the US. The pilot does this by ensuring that all the required inspections, maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations have been appropriately documented in the aircrafts maintenance manual. 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 or equipment are found, the pilot uses the guidance in 14 CFR 91.213 for handing inop equipment.

For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met?

a. The aircraft must confirm to its type design. This is attained when the required and proper components are installed consistent with drawings, specifications, and other data that are part of the type certificate. Conformity includes applicable supplemental type certificate 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.