Aircraft Certificates and Documents (part 1)

Question 1

What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight? (14 CFR 91.203, 91.9)

Answer 1

1. A.R.R.O.W.
2. A… Airworthiness Certificate
3. R… Registration Certificate
4. R… Radio Station License (if operating outside of U.S.)
5. O… Operating Limitations—AFM/POH and supplements, placards, markings
6. W… Weight and balance data
7. Compass Deviation Card
8. External Serial Number

Question 2

What is an airworthiness certificate? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 2

1. An airworthiness certificate is issued by the FAA to an aircraft that has met the minimum design and manufacturing requirements
2. These certificates come in two classifications: standard airworthiness and special airworthiness

Question 3

What is the difference between standard and special airworthiness certificates? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 3

1. Standard airworthiness certificates are white and are issued to type certificated aircraft
2. Special airworthiness certificates are pink and are issued to aircraft that do not conform to a type design

Question 4

Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 4

1. A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid for as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design
2. And as long as the aircraft is in safe condition for flight

Question 5

Where must the airworthiness certificate be located? (14 CFR 91.203, FAA-H-8083-19)

Answer 5

1. The certificate must be displayed at the cabin/cockpit entrance
2. The certificate must be legible to passengers and/or crew

Question 6

For an aircraft to be considered airworthy, what two conditions must be met? (FAA-H-8083-19)

Answer 6

1. The aircraft must conform to its type design (type certificate)
2. The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation

Question 7

Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation. (14 CFR Part 21)

Answer 7

1. For type design, a pilot determines that the maintenance and alterations have been performed in accordance with Parts 21, 43, and 91
2. For safe operation, the pilot conducts a thorough preflight inspection of the aircraft

Question 8

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? (14 CFR 91.405)

Answer 8

1. The maintenance records (aircraft and engine logbooks)
2. Each owner or operator is responsible for ensuring that maintenance is appropriately logged in the aircraft maintenance records

Question 9

Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition? (14 CFR 91.403)

Answer 9

1. The owner or operator

Question 10

Describe some of the responsibilities an aircraft owner has pertaining to aircraft documents, maintenance, and inspections of their aircraft. (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 10

1. Have an airworthiness certificate in the aircraft
2. Have an aircraft registration in the aircraft
3. Maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition
4. Ensure maintenance is properly recorded
5. Keep aircraft in compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives
6. Keep current with regulations concerning the operation of that aircraft
7. Notify the FAA Civil Aviation Registry immediately of the sale or export of the aircraft
8. If operating outside of the United States, have a current radio station license (including ELT)