Airworthiness Requirements

Question 1

Aircraft certificates and documents - what documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight ?

Answer 1

A.ir worthiness Certificate (14CFR 91.203 )
R.egistration certificate ( 14 CFR 91.203)
R.adio Station License( if operating outside of U.S. ; an FCC registration
O.peration limitations- POH and supplements, placards, markings (14CFR 91.9).
Weight and balance data ( current)
Compass Deviation Card ( 14 CFR

Question 2

What is an airworthiness certificate ?

Answer 2

An airworthiness certificate is issued by the FAA to an aircraft that has been proven to meet the minimum design and manufacturing requirements and is condition for safe operation. Under any circumstances, the aircraft must meet the requirement of the original type certificate or it is no longer airworthy. These certificates come in two different classifications : standard airworthiness and special airworthiness.

Question 3

What is the difference between standard and special airworthiness certificates ?

Answer 3

Standard airworthiness white paper are issued for normal , utility , acrobatic , commuter, or transport category aircraft. Special airworthiness certificates pink paper are issued for primary, restricted or limited category aircraft, and light sport aircraft.

Question 4

What is an experimental airworthiness certificate?

Answer 4

A special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category is issued to operate an aircraft that does not have a type certificate or does not conform to its type certificate yet is in a condition for safer operation. Additionally, this certificate is issued to operate a Peary category kit-built airacraft hat was assembled without the supervision and quality control of the production certificate holder.

Question 5

Does an airworthiness certificate have an expiration date?

Answer 5

No. A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid for as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design is an condition for safe operation, and the maintenance , preventative maintenance alterations are performed in accordance with parts 21, 43, and 91.

Question 6

When must the airworthiness certificate be located?

Answer 6

The certificate must be displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew. 91.203

Question 7

For an aircraft to be considered airworthy , what two conditions must be met?

Answer 7

A. The aircraft must conform to its type design type certicate. This is attained when the required and proper components are installed consistent with the drawings , specifications , and other data that are part of the type certificate. Conformity includes applicable supplemental type certificate(s) (STC) and field approval alterations.

B. The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation referring to the condition of the aircraft in relation to wear deterioration.

Question 8

Explain how a pilot determines if an aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safer operation?

Answer 8

For type design a pilot must determine that the maitnatence preventive maintained, and alterations have been performed in accordance parts 21, 43, and 91 and that the aircraft is registered in the us . The pilot does this by ensuring that all required inspections maintenance , preventive maintenance, repairs and alterations have been approvingly documented in the aircraft’s maintenance records.

B. For safe operation, the pilot conducts a thorough pre lift inspection of the aircraft for a wear and deterioration, structural damage , fluid leaks , tire wear , inoperative instruments and equipment etc. if an unsafe condition exists or inoperative instruments or equipment safe found , the pilot uses the guidance in 14 CFR 91.213 for handling the inoperative equipment .

Question 9

What records and documents should be checked to determine that the owner or operator of an aircraft has complied with with all required inspections and airworthiness directives.

Answer 9

The maintenance records (aircraft engine logbooks) Each owner or operator of an aircraft shall ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service.

Question 10

Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition ?

Answer 10

The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition.

Question 11

Describe some of the responsibilities an aircraft owner has pertaining to aircraft documents , maintenance , and inspections of their aircraft.

Answer 11

Aircraft owners must:

A. Have a current airworthiness certificate and aircraft registration in the aircraft.

B. Maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition including compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives.

C. Ensure maintenance is properly recorded.

D. Keep abreast of current regulations concerning the operation of that aircraft.

E. Notify the FAA Civil Aviaiton registry immediately of any change of permanent mainline address, or of the sale or export of the aircraft , or of the loss of citizenship.

F. Have a current FCC radio station license if equipped with radios, including emergency locator transmitter (ELT) if operated outside of the United States.

Question 12

What are airworthiness directives (AD)

Answer 12

An AD is the medium by which the FAA notifies aircraft owners and other potentially interested persons of unsafe conditions that may exist because of design defects, maintenance , or other causes , and specifies the condition under which the product may continue to be operated. ADs are regulatory in nature and compliance is mandatory. It is the aircraft owners or operators responsibility to ensure compliance with all the pertinent ADs .

Question 13

What are the two types of ADs

Answer 13

ADs are divided into two categories: Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight , and those of a less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time.

Question 14

When are emergency ADs issued?

Answer 14

An emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator. The intent of an emergency AD is to rapidly correct an urgent safety of flight situation. All known owners and operators of affected US- registered aircraft or those airacraft that have an affected product installed will be sent a copy of an emergency AD .

Exam tip: ADs and recurring ADs -Be capable of finding and explaining the status of all ADs that exist for your aircraft. locate and tab prior to the practical test.

Question 15

While reviewing the aircraft logbooks, you discover that your aircraft is not in compliance with an ADs specified time and date. Are you allowed to continue to operate that aircraft until the next maintanece inspection? Do the regulations allow any kind of buffer?

Answer 15

The assumptions that AD compliance is only required inspection (e.g. at a 100 hour an annual inspection) is not correct. The required compliance time/date is specified in each AD and no person may operate the affected product after expiration of that stated compliance time without an Alternative method of compliance AMOC approval for a change in compliance time.

Question 16

you determine that you need to fly an aircraft with an expired AD to another airport where a repair facility can do the work required by the AD how can you accomplish this ?

Answer 16

Unless the AD states otherwise, you may apply to the FAA for a special flight permit following the procedures. 14CFR 21.199

Question 17

What is supplemental type certificate?

Answer 17

A supplemental type certificate (STC) is the FAA’s approv of a major change in the type design of a previously approved type certified product. The certificate authorizes an alteration to an airframe, 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 exists, an STC will be issued. STCs are considered a part of the permanent records of and aircraft, and should be maintained as part of that airacraft logs.

Question 18

What is an aircraft registration certificate ?

Answer 18

Before an aircraft can be flown legally , it must be registered with the FAA aircraft Registry. The Certificate of Aircraft Registration, which is issued to the owner as evidence of the registration , must be carried in the aircraft at all times.

Question 19

Does an aircraft’s registration certificate have an expiration date?

Answer 19

Yes . A certificate of aircraft registration issued in accordance with 14 CFR 47.31. Expires three years after the last day of the month in which it was issued. A temporary certification of registration is valid for no more than 90 days after the date the applicant signs the application.

Question 20

Where can you find information on the place cards and marking information required to be in the airplane ?

Answer 20

The principle source of information for identifying the required airplane flight manuals (AFM) , 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 AD.

Question 21

What are several examples of placards and markings required in the airplane?

Answer 21

PLACARDS-DAY-NIGT-VFR-IFR placards. “ flight maneuvers permitted” placard, “ caution control lock remove before starting” “ maneuvering speed, “ “compass Calibration card “ etc.

MARKINGS - Airspeed indicator markings, cockpit control markings, fuel , oil, coolant filler openings, etc.

Question 22

What are the required tests and inspections to be performed on an aircraft include inspections for IFR.

Answer 22

Annual inspection- within the preceding 12 calandra months

Air worthiness directives and life -limited parts complied with , as required.

VOR equipment check every 30 days (for IFR ops) (14 CFR 91.171)

100 hour inspection , if used for hire , or flight instruction in aircraft CFI provides .

Altimeter, altitude reporting equipment, and static pressure systems tested and inspected (for IFR ops) every 24 calendar months ( 14CFR 91.411)

Transponder tests and inspections , every 24 calendar months (14CFR 91.413)

Emergency locator transmitter, operations and battery condition inspected every 12 calendar months

Exam tip: Be prepared to locate all of the required inspections ADs , Life limited parts, etc. in the aircraft and engine logbooks and be able to determine when the next inspections are due. Create an aircraft status sheet that indicates the status of all required inspections, ADs , life limited , parts. Etc. and/or use post it nots to tab the specific pages in the aircraft and engine logbooks. Write the due date of the next inspection on the post it note.

Question 23

What is an annual inspection and which airacrft are required to have annual inspections?

Answer 23

An annual inspection is a complete inspection of an aircraft and engine , required by the regulations and is required to be accomplished every 12 calendar months on all certified aircraft. Only an a&P technician holding and an Inspection Authorization can conduct an annual inspection .

Question 24

What aircraft are required to have 100 hour inspections?

Answer 24

Ana annual inspection is a complete inspection of an aircraft and engine, required by the regulations and is required to be accomplished every 12 calendar months no all certificates aircraft . Only and A&P technician holding an Inspections Authorization can conduct an annual inspection.

Question 25

What aircraft are required to have 100-hour inspections? 14CF 91.409

Answer 25

A. All aircraft under 12,500 pounds (except turbo jet/ turbopropeller powered multi engine airplanes and turbine powered turbine powered rotorcraft) used to carry passengers for hire. B. Aircraft used for flight instruction for hire, when provided by the person giving the flight instruction.

Question 26

If an aircraft operated for hire , is it required to have a 100-hour Inspection as well as an annual inspection? 91.409.

Answer 26

Yes . If an aircraft is operated for hire it must have a 100-hour inspection as well as an annual inspection when due. If not operated for hire, only an annual inspection is required.

Question 27

What is the difference between Anual inspection and a 100 hour inspection

Answer 27

The main difference is who is allowed to perform these inspections. Only an A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization can perform can perform an annual inspection. 100-hour inspections may be performed by any A&P mechanic (no IA required). Part 43, Appendix D (“scope and Detail of items to be Included in Annual and 100 hour Inspections”) contains a list of items to be checked during inspections.

Question 28

If an aircraft has been on a schedule of inspection every 100 hours, under what condition may it continue to operate beyond the 100 hours without a new inspection?

Answer 28

The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded by not more than 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be done. The excess time used to reach a place where the inspection can be done must be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.

Question 29

If the Annual inspection date was passed can an aircraft be operated to a location where the inspection can be performed ?

Answer 29

an aircraft overdue for an annual inspection may be operated of a flying under a special flight permit issued by the FAA for the purpose of flying the aircraft to a location where the annual inspection can be performed. However , all applicable ADs that are due must be complied with before the flight.

Question 30

What are “ special flight Permits” and when are they necessary?

Answer 30

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 impeding danger. E. Conducting customer demonstration flights in new production aircraft that have satisfactory completed production flight tests.

Question 31

How are “ special Flight Permits” obtained ?

Answer 31

If a special flight permit is needed , assistance and the necessary forms may be obtained from the local FSDO or Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).

Question 32

After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired , who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition? 91.7

Answer 32

The pilot in command. Of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining wheather that aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy , mechanical electrical , or structural conditions occur.

Question 33

What regulations aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired , who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy ? 91.7

Answer 33

The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining weather that aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy , mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.

Question 34

What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight? 91.407.

Answer 34

No person may operate or carry passengers in any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding or alteration that may have appreciable changed its flight characteristics or substantially affected its operation in flight until an appropriately—rated pilot with at least a private pilot certificate: A. Flies the aircraft B. Makes an operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made, and C. Logs the flight in the aircraft records.

Question 35

Can a pilot legally conduct flight operations with known inoperative equipment onboard?

Answer 35

Yes, under specific conditions. Part 91 describes acceptable methods for the operation of an aircraft with certain inoperative instruments and equipment that are not essential for safe flight- they 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. 14CFR 91.213 Exam tip: Know this regulation well *** - unfamiliarity with 14CFR 91.213 is a common weakness of applicants at all levels. You must demonstrate that you know this regulation and how to apply it.

Question 36

What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR 213(d)?

Answer 36

When inoperative equipment is found during preflight or prior to departure, the decision should be to cancel the flight, obtain maintenance prior to flight, or to defer the item or equipment. Maintenance deferrals are not used for inflight discrepancies. The manufacturer’s AFM/ POH procedures are to be used in those situations.

Question 37

During the preflight inspection in an aircraft that doesn’t have a MEL , you notice that an instrument or equipment item is inoperative. Describe how you will determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight. 14CFR 91.213(d)

Answer 37

I will a myself the following questions to determine if I can legally fly the airplane with the inoperative equipment item: A. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment part of the VFR-day type certification ? B. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment listed as “ Required” on the aircraft’s equipment list or “kinds of operations Equipment List (KOEL) for the type of flight operation being conducted? C. Are the inoperative instruments or equipment required by 14CFR 91.205 and 91.207 or any other rule of part 91 for the specific kind of flight operations being conducted? ( example VFR, IFR, day, night) D. Are the inoperative Instruments or equipment required to be operational by an AD? If the answer is “ yes” to any of these questions, the aircraft is not airworthy and maintanence is required before I can fly. I If the answer is “ no” to any of these questions then the inoperative instruments or equipment must be removed ( by an A&P ) from the aircraft, or deactivated and placarded “inoperative” Note** See appendix 3 for more explanation for this regulation Exam tip: If an instrument or equipment item is inoperative in your aircraft, be able to explain how you will determine if the aircraft is airworthy and legal for flight.

Question 38

What are the minimum Equipment lists?

Answer 38

The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a precise listing of instruments, equipment and procedures that allows an aircraft to be operated under specific conditions with inoperative equipment. The MEL is the specific inoperative equipment document for a particular make and model aircraft by serial and registration numbers , e.g. BE-200 , N12345. The FAA approved MEL includes only those items of equipment that the FAA deems may be inoperative and still maintain an acceptable level of safety with appropriate conditions and limitations. Note***Do not confuse an MEL with the aircraft’s equipment list. They are not the same.

Question 39

For an aircraft with an approved MEL, explain the decision sequence a pilot would use after discovering the position lights inoperative?

Answer 39

With an improved MEL if the position lights were discovered inoperative prior to daytime flight , the pilot would make an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record provided for that purpose. The item is then either repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL . Upon confirming that daytime flight with inoperative positions lights is acceptable in accordance with the provisions of the MEL, the pilot would leave the position lights switch OFF , open the circuit breaker ( or whatever action is called for in the procedures document) and placard the position light switch as INOPERATIVE.

Question 40

Explain the limitations that apply to aircraft operations being conducted using a MEL .

Answer 40

The use of an MEL for a small, non turbine powered airplane operated under part 91 allows for the deferral of inoperative items or equipment. The FAA considers an approved MEL to be a supplemental type certificate (STC) issued to an aircraft by serial number and registration number . Once an operator requests an MEl and a letter of authorization is issued by the FAA , then MEL becomes mandatory for that aircraft . All maintenance deferrals must be done in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MEL and the operator generated procedures document.

Question 41

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight?

Answer 41

AtomatoFLames A.nticollision light system- aviation red or white for small airplanes certified after march 11,1996 T.achometer for each engine Oil pressure gauge for each engine M.anifold pressure Gauge ( for each altitude engine ie turbo charged) A.ltimeter T.emperature gauge for each liquid cooled engine. O.il temperature gauge for each air coooled engine Fuel gauge indicating quantity in each tank Floatation gear - if operated for hire over water beyond power off gliding distance from shore L.anding gear position indicator , if the airplane has retractable gear Airspeed indicator Magnetic direction indicator Emergency locator transmitter Safety belts (and shoulder harness for each seat in aircraft manufactured after 1978

Question 42

What instruments ad equipment are required for VFR night Flight.

Answer 42

For VFR flight at night , all the instruments and equipment for VFR day flight are required plus the following : Fuses-one spare set or three fuses of each kind required accessible to the pilot in flight. Landing light -if the aircraft is operated for hire Anti collision light system -approved aviation red or white Position lights - navigation lights Source of electrical energy-adequate for all installed electrical and radio equipment.

Question 43

Who can perform maintenance on an aircraft?

Answer 43

FAA-certified A&P mechanic , an A&P mechanic with inspector Authorization, an appropriately rated FAA certificated repair station or the aircraft manufacturer.

Question 44

Define preventative maintenance ?

Answer 44

Simple or minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts not involving complex assembly operations. Certified pilots exploding student pilots sport pilots and recreational pilots may perform maintenance on any aircraft that is owned or operations by them provided that aircraft is not used in air carrier if services

Question 45

What logbook entry information is required of the person performing preventative maintenance?

Answer 45

All pilots who maintain or perform preventative maintenance must make an entry in the maintanence record of the aircraft . The entry must include a description of the work, the date of completion of the work performed, and an entry of the pilots name , signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held.

Question 46

While inspecting the engine logbook of the rental airacraft you are planning to fly , you notice the engine has exceeded its time between overhaul (TBO) . Is it legal to fly this aircraft?

Answer 46

Yes. TBO is computed by the engine manufacture and is a reliable estimate of the number of hours the engine could perform reliably within the established engine parameters and sill not exceed the service wear limits for overhaul for major component parts such as the crankshaft, cam shaft, cylinders, connecting rods, pistons. TBO times are make and model specific and the recommended overhaul times are usually identified I in the engine manufacturers service Bulletin or Letter. For part 91 operations, compliance to the TBO is not a mandatory maintenance requirement.

Question 47

What are several good reasons for aircraft owners to comply with TBO times by the manufacturer?

Answer 47

A. An overhaul at TBO will ensure safety and reliability. B. An engine overhaul at TBO is usually less expensive than an engine that has been run an additional 200 or 300 hours. C. Running the engine past TBO usually accelerates the overall wear of the engine due to bigger bearing tolerances, loss of protective materials such as plating or nitrating on the cylinder walls and vibration caused by engine reciprocating parts that have worn unevenly and are now out of balance.