ACS (Airworthiness Requirements)
What is an Airworthiness Certificate?
A certificate issued by the FAA to an aircraft that has been proven to meet the minimum design and manufacturing requirements and is in a safe condition to fly.
What is the KOEL?
A list of equipment installed in an aircraft that specifies for which kinds of operations a specific piece of equipment is required.
What is an Airworthiness Directive?
A mandatory directive issued by the FAA, that notifies aircraft owners of possible design defects, maintenance, or other conditions.
What is a MEL?
A minimum equipment list that allows an aircraft to be flown under specific conditions with inoperative equipment.
What are special flight permits? When are they necessary?
A special flight permit can be issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight (flying an aircraft to get repairs/alterations, delivering an aircraft, flight testing, evacuating aircraft, and demo flights).
What documents are required to be on board the aircraft prior to flight?
AROW - Airworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Operating limitations, weight and balance information.
What are some examples of markings required in the aircraft?
Airspeed indicator markings, cockpit control markings, fuel, oil, etc...
What is an STC? When is an STC required?
An STC is a Supplemental Type Certificate. An STC is required whenever there is a major change or modification made to the airplane that doesn't warrant a new type certificate.
Standard Airworthiness Certificate
Are issued for normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, or transport aircraft. (white paper).
Special Airworthiness Certificate
Are issued for primary, restricted, and light-sport aircraft (pink paper).
What are some examples of placards required in the aircraft?
Day/Night/VFR/IFR placards, "Flight Maneuvers Permitted" placard, "Maneuvering Speeds", etc...
How does a pilot determine if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in condition for safe operation?
For TYPE design, the pilot must determine that the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations have been performed and appropriately documented in the aircraft's maintenance records. For SAFE OPERATION, the pilot performs thorough pre-flight and checks for any inoperative equipment.
How are special flight permits obtained?
From a local FSDO or DAR.
Where does the Registration Certificate need to be? Does it expire?
In the aircraft during operation. It expires 3 years after the last day of the month that it was issued.
What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight?
No person may operate or carry passengers in that aircraft until a rated pilot with at least a PPL flies the aircraft, makes an operational check of the maintenance preformed or alteration made and logs the flight in the aircraft records.
What is a Service Bulletin?
Notice from a manufacturer that addresses the need for certain actions performed on the aircraft. that are not mandatory.
If an aircraft has been on schedule of inspection every 100 hours, under what condition may it continue to operate beyond the 100 hours without new inspection?
The 100 hour limitation may be exceeded by no more than 10 hours while en-route to a place where the inspection can be done.
For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met?
The aircraft conforms to its type certificate and authorized modifications and it must be in condition for safe operation.
Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in airworthy condition?
The owner or operator of the aircraft.
What is a TCDS sheet?
This is a type certificate for when a new aircraft, engine, propeller, etc... is found to meet safety standards set forth by the FAA. A TCDS sheet lists the specifications, conditions, and limitations under which airworthiness requirements were met for the specified product.
What are the two different types of ADs?
Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to any further flight, and those of less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time.
Where does the Airworthiness Certificate need to be?
Usually in the door, by left leg of PIC. MUST BE VISIBLE TO PASSANGERS
Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard?
Yes, operation of an aircraft with inop equipment and WITH a MEL can be conducted as long as the inop equipment *********************** (COME BACK TO THIS ONE)
If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed?
Yes, under a special flight permit that has been issued by the FAA. However, all applicable ADs that are due must be in compliance with before the flight.
