Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives Flashcards
What is the definition of an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?
Airworthiness Directives (AD) are issued when the FAA finds that an unsafe condition exists in a product (aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance.) AD’s must be complied with.
Who first determines the need for an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?
The FAA Certification Services with its twelve Aircraft Certification Offices (ACO) within four Directorates
What is the responsibility of the owner of a Type Certificate in regards to AD’s?
Notifying the FAA when they become aware of any failure, malfunction, or defect in any product, part, process, or article manufactured by them (14 CFR 21.3)
Developing appropriate design changes to correct the unsafe condition(14 CFR 21.99(a)); and,
Incorporating the corrective action in future production of the product to ensure the product is in condition for safe operation (14 CFR 21).
Who has to comply with AD’s?
The owner or operator of an aircraft is required by 14 CFR 91.403 to maintain the aircraft in compliance with all ADs.
When does the owner or operator of an aircraft have to comply with an AD?
By the effective date of the AD. That compliance time determines when the actions are required.
When is an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued?
An Emergency AD is issued, when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator.
What does AMOC stand for and when is it used?
AMOC stands for Alternative Method of Compliance and is used for different approaches and techniques that can be used to correct an unsafe condition on an aircraft or aircraft product (must be approved by the FAA).
What actions do AD’s require?
Airworthiness directives specify inspections or modifications you must carry out, conditions and limitations you must comply with, and any actions you must take to resolve an unsafe condition.
Can an owner/operator fly his/her aircraft to a repair facility to do the work required by an airworthiness directive?
Yes, the operations specifications giving some operators authority to operate include a provision that allow them to fly their aircraft to a repair facility to do the work required by an airworthiness directive.
Otherwise a special flight permit is required by the FAA.
What must be done with if an airworthiness directive conflicts with the service document on which it is based?
If there is a conflict between the service document and the airworthiness directive, one must follow the requirements of the airworthiness directive.
What is the definition of a Service Bulletin (SB)?
Service Bulletins (SB) are notices to aircraft operators from a manufacturer notifying them of a product improvement.
How can SB’s be categorized? (5 different types)
- Informational
- Optional
- Recommended
- Alert
- Mandatory
Are SB’s always mandatory to comply with?
Only if the aircraft is being operated under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135 (which pertain to air carrier and operator certification) or the SB is attached to an AD.
