Airworthiness requirements Flashcards
What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight? CFR 91. 203, 91.9
Airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, radio station license, operating limitations – AFM/POH and supplements, placard’s, markings, weight and balance data – current, compass deviation card, external data plate/serial number
What is an airworthiness certificate?
An airworthiness certificate is issued by the FAA to all aircraft that have been proven to meet the minimum requirements of 14 CFR part 21 and that are in condition for safe operation. Under any circumstances, the aircraft must meet the requirements of the original type certificate or it is no longer airworthy. Airworthiness certificates come in two different classifications: standard airworthiness and special airworthiness.
If the airworthiness certificate of a particular aircraft is indicated as one of the following categories, what significance would this have? 14 CFR part 23
normal category
utility category
a) Normal category- aircraft structure capable of withstanding a load factor of 3.8 Gs without structural failure. Applicable to aircraft intended for non-aerobatic operation.
b) Utility category – aircraft structure must be capable of withstanding a load factor of 4.4 Gs. This would usually permit limited aerobatics, including spins if approved for the aircraft.
What are special airworthiness information bulletins? Are they regulatory?
A special airworthiness information bulletin SAIB is an information tool that alerts, educates, and makes recommendations to the aviation community. SAIBs contain non-regulatory information and guidance that does not meet the criteria for an airworthiness directive (AD). Guidance on when to use an SAIB and how to develop an issue an SAIB is provided in FAA order 8110.100.
What is a type certificate data sheet?
The type certificate data sheet (TCDS) lists the specifications, conditions and limitations under which airworthiness requirements are met with a specified product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, maximum weight, minimum crew, etc.
What is a supplemental type certificate?
A supplemental type certificate (STC) is the FAA‘s approval of a major change in the type design and a previously approved type certificated product. The certificate authorizes an alteration to an air frame, engine, or component that has been granted an approved type certificate. Sometimes alterations are made that are not specified or authorized in the TCDS. When that condition exist, an STC will be issued. STC’s are considered a part of the permanent records of an aircraft and should be maintained as part of the aircraft’s logs.
Where can you find information on the placards and marking information required to be in the airplane?
The principal source of information for identifying the required airplane flight manuals, approved manual materials, markings, and placards is the FAA type certificate data sheet or aircraft specification issued for each airplane eligible for an airworthiness certificate. The required placards are also reproduced in the limitations section of the AFM or as directed by an airworthiness directive (AD).
What are the required test and inspections to be performed on an aircraft? Include inspections for IFR.
A - Airworthiness directives and life limited parts complied with as required 14 CFR 91.403, 91.417
V - VOR Equipment check every 30 days for IFR operations 14 CFR 91.171
I - Inspections - annual inspection within the precededing 12 calendar months 14 CFR 91. 409; 100- hour Inspection, if used for hire or flight instruction in aircraft CFI provides 14 CFR 91. 409
A - Altimeter, altitude recording equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected for IFR operations every 24 calendar month 14 CFR 91.411
T - Transponder test and inspections, every 24 calendar months 14 CFR 91. 413
E - Emergency locator transmitter, operation and battery condition inspected every 12 calendar months 14 CFR 91. 207
If the annual inspection date has passed, can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed?
An aircraft overdue for an annual inspection may be operated under a special flight permit issued by the FAA for purpose of flying the aircraft a location for the annual inspection to be performed. However, all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.
What are special flight permits, and when are they necessary? 14 CFR 91.213, 14 CFR 21.197
A special flight permit may be issued for an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. These permits are typically issued for the following purposes:
a) Flying an aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage.
b) Delivering or exporting an aircraft.
c) Production flight testing new production aircraft.
d) Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger.
e) Conducting customer demonstration flights in a new production aircraft that have satisfactorily completed production flight tests.
How are special flight permits obtained ?
If a special flight permit is needed, assistance and the necessary forms may be obtained from the local FSDO or designated airworthiness representative (DAR).
After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired, who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition? 14 CFR 91.7
The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in a condition safe for flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy, mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.
Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment on board? 14 CFR 91. 213, AC 91–67
Yes, under specific conditions. 14 CFR part 91 describes acceptable methods for the operation of an aircraft for certain inoperative instruments and equipment that are not essential for safe flight. These acceptable methods are:
a) Operation of an aircraft with a minimum equipment list MEL, as authorized by 14 CFR 91. 213(a) or
b) Operation of an aircraft without a MEL under 14 CFR 91. 213(d)
During the preflight inspection in an aircraft that doesn’t have an MEL, you notice that an instrument or equipment item is inoperative. Describe how you would will determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight. 14 CFR 91.213(d), AC 91–67
I will ask myself the following questions to determine if I can legally fly the airplane with the inoperative equipment item:
a) Are they in operative instruments or equipment part of the VSR – day type certification?
b) Are the inoperative instruments or equipment listed as required on the aircraft equipment list or kinds of operation equipment list (KOEL) for the kind of flight operation being conducted?
c) Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required by 14 CFR 91.205, 91.207, or any other rule of 14 CFR part 91 for the specific kind of flight operation being conducted (e.g. VFR, IFR, day, night)?
d) Are the an operative instruments or equipment required to be operational by air worthiness directive AD?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, the aircraft is not airworthy and maintenance is required before I can fly. If the answer is “no” to all of these questions, then the operative instruments or equipment must be removed by A&P from the aircraft or be deactivated and placarded “inoperative.”
What is a kind of operations equipment list KOEL?
A Kinds of Operation Equipment list (KOEL) identifies the systems and equipment upon which type certification for each kind of operation was predicated (I.e., day or night VFR, day or night IFR, icing conditions) and which must be installed and operable for the particular kind of operation indicated. The KOEL is located in the limitation section of the FAA approved airplane flight manual.
