Airworthiness
Return to An aircraft is considered airworthy in the United States when it:
- Has on board a valid FAA-issued Airworthiness Certificate, and
- Complies with the specification in the type certificate, and
- Is maintained and inspected in compliance with the FARs.
Airworthiness Certificate
Registration Certificate with FAA
Radio Station License (International Operations)
Operating Limitations
Weight/Balance Information
Airworthiness Certificate – 14 C.F.R. 21 Subpart H
An Airworthiness Certificate is an FAA document that grants authorization to fly an aircraft in the United States. It confirms that the aircraft meets its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation. Any registered owner of a U.S.-registered aircraft (or the agent of the owner) may apply for an Airworthiness Certificate for that aircraft. The certificate must be displayed in the aircraft so that it is legible to passengers or crew whenever the aircraft is operated. There are two certificate options: standard and special. FAA Order 8130.2K is a comprehensive guide that establishes policies and procedures for issuing an Airworthiness Certificate.
Type Certificates and STCs - 14 C.F.R. 21 Subpart B
When an aircraft is designed, a Type Certificate (TC) is issued by the FAA to signify the airworthiness of the design and that it is formally approved for manufacturing. This TC may not be changed without the authorization of the FAA. Any changes are required to be formally authorized by the FAA and are issued as a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Each Type Certificate is considered to include the type design, the operating limitations, the Type Certificate Data Sheet, the applicable regulations of 14 C.F.R. 21 Subpart B with which the FAA records compliance, and any other conditions or limitations prescribed for the product in this subpart.
Inspections and Airworthiness Directives - 14 C.F.R. 39
Airworthiness Directives are legally enforceable rules that are issued by the FAA when addressing a product when an unsafe condition exists in an aircraft, an aircraft engine, propellers, or appliance, and the condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. FAA publishes airworthiness directives in full in the Federal Register as amendments to § 39.13.
A pilot/owner should be checking for them before every flight, not waiting till the annual inspection or 100-hour inspection for it to be discovered. That is why it's not a line item under Part 43, Appendix D - Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft) to Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections. [Insert Link to 100-Hour Article]
Aircraft Registration (FAA) - 14 C.F.R. 47
No person may operate an aircraft that is eligible for registration unless it has been registered by its owner. An aircraft may be registered only by and in the legal name of its owner. Each applicant must provide the required items listed in 14 C.F.R. 47. Once approved, a Certificate of Aircraft Registration is issued with an effective date that expires seven years after the last day of the month in which it is issued. This Certificate of Aircraft Registration is what needs to be displayed in the aircraft
[Insert Link to FAA’s Registration Sections]
Radio License (FCC) - [insert FAR references here]---the FAA doesn’t really have any
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 brought about fundamental changes in the licensing of aircraft radio stations to ensure the safety of aircraft in flight for any international operations. This requirement is from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and not the FAA directly. The requirements can be found under 47 C.F.R. 87. For any international operations, you must complete an FCC Form 605, Quick-Form Application for Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio Services, available at www.fcc.gov to obtain an FCC radio station license.
[Insert Link to FCC]---- https://www.fcc.gov/aircraft-stations
Operating Limitations – 14 C.F.R. 91.9
No person may operate a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations. Operating Limitations include the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), limitations attached to FAA Form 8130-7, markings and placards, or as otherwise prescribed by the certificating authority of the country of registry.
Weight/Balance Information - 14 C.F.R. 23.2100
14 C.F.R. 23.2100 requires an applicant requesting aircraft certification to determine limits for weights and centers of gravity that provide for the safe operation of the airplane. These numbers are then often included in the Operating Limitations for the aircraft. While there are no specified requirements for a pilot operating under 14 CFR part 91 to conduct weight and balance calculations prior to each flight, 14 CFR 91.9 requires the pilot in command (PIC) to comply with the operating limits, including the weight and balance of the aircraft.
The information contained here only provides an overview of common airworthiness topics. For more information and to ascertain the airworthiness of a specific aircraft, refer to the FAA’s website, contact your FAA-certified aircraft mechanic, and contact an aviation attorney. Our firm is available to assist in airworthiness matters. Please use the button below to Contact Chris.