Airworthiness - The Concept
Twisted-Wrench LLC  Aircraft Maintenance Special Projects
Airworthiness is a regulatory (legal) two part concept

The Airworthiness Certificate indicates:
The aircraft, at the indicated date on the
Airworthiness Certificate,
qualified as airworthy by meeting two steps
1.        must conform to its type design
2.        be in a condition for safe operation
And
  • Does NOT grant lifetime airworthiness approval
  • Must be maintained to the standards set out by the
    Airworthiness Certificate and the regulations
Airworthiness element 1.    
Conforms to its Type Design

A component and structural
configuration supported by
  • Type Certificate Data Sheet
Supplemental Type Certificates
  • Alterations per Service Bulletins
  • Alterations per Airworthiness
    Directives
Airworthiness Element 2.

Component and structural condition
supported by
  • Inspection Records - examples
  • Annual/Progressive/Continuous
  • Per Airworthiness Directive
  • Per STC Instructions for Continued
    Airworthiness
  • Preflight
  • Weight & Balance Records
  • Flight Manual/POH/ Flight Manual
    Supplements
  • These items and more are also used
    to verify Element 1
The FAA provides this and
more for conformity

  • Type Certificate Data Sheets for
  • Airframe
  • Engines
  • Props
  • Airworthiness Directives
  • STCs for modifications
  • PMAs / 8130-3 for parts
The manufacturer provides this
and more for conformity

  • Maintenance Manuals
  • Illustrated Parts Catalogs
(Inspection Program)
  • Airworthiness Limitations
  • Service Bulletins
  • Structural Repair Manuals
  • Corrosion Control Programs
  • etc.

Records & Manuals
  • Original Equipment List, Equipment
    List – As Outfitted (FAA-H-8083-1A)
  • POH - Airplane/Helicopter Flight
    Manual with approved Supplements
  • Weight & Balance Manual with
    current W&B information
  • Original Certification Date
  • Trip Log or other means to record
    AFTT & AFTL, TT & TC for engines,
    prop, and appliances
  • Records for Maintenance,
    Inspection, and Alterations including
    Service Bulletins, Mod Status, & ADs