Aircraft%20Airworthiness

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Aircraft Airworthiness

• How does this affect you?

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My Background

• FAA Inspector since 1995
• Graduate of FAA Approved AP School
• IA since 1981
• Started career at flight school in Minnesota
• Chief Inspector for 135, 141, and 145.
• DOM for 135
• Taught at AP 147 School
• DME

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Who is responsible for Airworthiness?

• This is a shared responsibility.
• The pilot is ultimately responsible!
• As a pilot, you need to understand this.
• As a flight instructor, you need to make sure
  that your students understand this.
• Operating rules prohibit the operation of an
  aircraft that is not airworthy.

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 91.3   Responsibility and authority of the pilot
in command.

• (a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is
  directly responsible for, and is the final
  authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.

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91.7   Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

• (a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless
  it is in an airworthy condition.
• (b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is
  responsible for determining whether that aircraft
  is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in
  command shall discontinue the flight when
  unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural
  conditions occur.

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91.403   General.

• (a) The owner or operator of an aircraft is
  primarily responsible for maintaining that
  aircraft in an airworthy condition, including
  compliance with part 39 of this chapter.
• (b) No person may perform maintenance, preventive
  maintenance, or alterations on an aircraft other
  than as prescribed in this subpart and other
  applicable regulations, including part 43 of this
  chapter.
• (c) No person may operate an aircraft for which a
  manufacturer's maintenance manual or instructions
  for continued airworthiness has been issued that
  contains an airworthiness limitations section
  unless the mandatory replacement times,
  inspection intervals, and related procedures
  specified in that section or alternative
  inspection intervals and related procedures set
  forth in an operations specification approved by
  the Administrator under part 121 or 135 of this
  chapter or in accordance with an inspection
  program approved under 91.409(e) have been
  complied with.

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91.405   Maintenance required.

• Each owner or operator of an aircraft
• (a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as
  prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall
  between required inspections, except as provided
  in paragraph (c) of this section, have
  discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43
  of this chapter
• (b) Shall ensure that maintenance personnel make
  appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance
  records indicating the aircraft has been approved
  for return to service
• (c) Shall have any inoperative instrument or item
  of equipment, permitted to be inoperative by
  91.213(d)(2) of this part, repaired, replaced,
  removed, or inspected at the next required
  inspection and
• (d) When listed discrepancies include inoperative
  instruments or equipment, shall ensure that a
  placard has been installed as required by 43.11
  of this chapter.

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91.407   Operation after maintenance, preventive
maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration.

• (a) No person may operate any aircraft that has
  undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance,
  rebuilding, or alteration unless
• (1) It has been approved for return to service by
  a person authorized under 43.7 of this chapter
  and
• (2) The maintenance record entry required by
  43.9 or 43.11, as applicable, of this chapter
  has been made.
• (b) No person may carry any person (other than
  crewmembers) in an aircraft that has been
  maintained, rebuilt, or altered in a manner that
  may have appreciably changed its flight
  characteristics or substantially affected its
  operation in flight until an appropriately rated
  pilot with at least a private pilot certificate
  flies the aircraft, makes an operational check of
  the maintenance performed or alteration made, and
  logs the flight in the aircraft records.
• (c) The aircraft does not have to be flown as
  required by paragraph (b) of this section if,
  prior to flight, ground tests, inspection, or
  both show conclusively that the maintenance,
  preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration
  has not appreciably changed the flight
  characteristics or substantially affected the
  flight operation of the aircraft.

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Responsibility may be shared, MAYBE.

• Depending on who youre working for, you may have
  a partner in the responsibility for
  airworthiness.
• Shared responsibility is limited.
• You are ultimately responsible for the condition
  of the aircraft that you operate.
• Will your partner stand up for you?
• Choose your partners carefully.

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43.5   Approval for return to service after
maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding,
or alteration.

• No person may approve for return to service any
  aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller,
  or appliance, that has undergone maintenance,
  preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration
  unless
• (a) The maintenance record entry required by
  43.9 or 43.11, as appropriate, has been made
• (b) The repair or alteration form authorized by
  or furnished by the Administrator has been
  executed in a manner prescribed by the
  Administrator and
• (c) If a repair or an alteration results in any
  change in the aircraft operating limitations or
  flight data contained in the approved aircraft
  flight manual, those operating limitations or
  flight data are appropriately revised and set
  forth as prescribed in 91.9 of this chapter.

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14 CFR 141.39   Aircraft.

• An applicant for a pilot school certificate or
  provisional pilot school certificate must show
  that each aircraft used by that school for flight
  training and solo flights meets the following
  requirements
• (a) Each aircraft must be registered as a civil
  aircraft in the United States
• (b) Each aircraft must be certificated with a
  standard airworthiness certificate or a primary
  airworthiness certificate, unless the
  Administrator determines that due to the nature
  of the approved course, an aircraft not having a
  standard airworthiness certificate or primary
  airworthiness certificate may be used
• (c) Each aircraft must be maintained and
  inspected in accordance with the requirements
  under subpart E of part 91 of this chapter that
  apply to aircraft operated for hire
• (d) Each aircraft used in flight training must
  have at least two pilot stations with
  engine-power controls that can be easily reached
  and operated in a normal manner from both pilot
  stations and
• (e) Each aircraft used in a course involving IFR
  en route operations and instrument approaches
  must be equipped and maintained for IFR
  operations. For training in the control and
  precision maneuvering of an aircraft by reference
  to instruments, the aircraft may be equipped as
  provided in the approved course of training.

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Airworthiness Defined

• Two conditions must be met before an aircraft can
  be considered airworthy
• The aircraft must conform to its type certificate
  (TC) that is, when the aircraft configuration
  and the components installed are consistent with
  the drawing, specifications, and other data that
  are part of the TC, and include any supplemental
  TC and field-approved alterations incorporated
  into the aircraft.
• The aircraft must be in condition for safe
  operation this refers to the condition of the
  aircraft relative to wear and deterioration.

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AIRWORTHY MEANS AN AIRCRAFT MEETS ITS TYPE
DESIGN AND IS IN A CONDITION FOR SAFE OPERATION.
THIS DEFINITION IS TAKEN FROM PUBLIC LAW 103-272,
PREVIOUSLY THE FEDERAL AVIATION ACT OF 1958, AND
IS ALSO FOUND ON THE FACE OF EACH AIRCRAFT'S
STANDARD AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION
STANDARD AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE
1. NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKS
2. MANUFACTURER AND MODEL
3. AIRCRAFT SERIAL NUMBER
4. CATEGORY
N12345
Boeing 747-400
197142
Transport
5. AUTHORITY AND BASIS FOR ISSUE This
airworthiness certificate is issued pursuant to
the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and certifies
that as of the date of issuance, the aircraft to
which issued has been inspected and found to
conform to the type certificate, therefor, to be
in condition for safe operation, and has been
shown to meet the requirements of the applicable
comprehensive and detailed airworthiness code as
provided by Annex 8 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation, except as noted
herein
EXEMPTION NO. 1013A FAR 25.471(b) Allows
lateral displacement of C.G. from airplane
centerline.
6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Unless sooner
surrendered, suspended, revoked, or a termination
date is otherwise established by the
Administrator, this airworthiness certificate is
effective as long as the maintenance, preventive
maintenance, and alterations are performed in
accordance with Parts 21, 43, and 91 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations, as appropriate, and
the aircraft is registered in the United States.
John Q. Publican
DATE OF ISSUANCE
FAA REPRESENTATIVE
DESIGNATION NUMBER
11/29/92
DMIR ANM 1234
John Q. Publican
Any alteration, reproduction, or misuse of this
certificate may be punishable by a fine not
exceeding 1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding
3 years, or both. THIS CERTIFICATE MUST BE
DISPLAYED IN THE AIRCRAFT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
APPLICABLE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS.
FAA Form 8100-2
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5. AUTHORITY AND BASIS FOR ISSUE This
airworthiness certificate is issued pursuant to
the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and certifies
that, as of the date of issuance, the aircraft to
which issued has been inspected and found to
conform to the type certificate therefor, to be
in condition for safe operation, and has been
shown to meet the requirements of the applicable
comprehensive and detailed airworthiness code as
provided by Annex 8 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation, except as
noted. Exceptions NONE
6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Unless sooner
surrendered, suspended, revoked, or a termination
date is otherwise established by the
Administrator, this airworthiness certificate is
effective as long as the maintenance, preventive
maintenance, and alterations are performed in
accordance with Parts 21, 43, and 91 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations, as appropriate, and
the aircraft is registered in the United States.
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A TYPE CERTIFICATE IS A DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE
FAA TO AN APPLICANT WHO HAS PROVEN THAT THEIR
AIRCRAFT, ENGINE, OR PROPELLER MEETS ALL
APPLICABLE AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS PERTAINING TO
THAT PRODUCT.
FAR 23 - NORMAL, UTILITY, AND ACROBATIC
CATEGORY AIRPLANES FAR 25 - TRANSPORT CATEGORY
AIRPLANES FAR 33 - AIRCRAFT ENGINES FAR 35 -
PROPELLERS
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What is a repair?

• A repair restores the aircraft to its original
  unaltered or properly altered condition.
• Repairs must be accomplished in accordance with
  the manufacturers maintenance instructions or
  standard practices acceptable to the
  Administrator.
• Major repairs must be accomplished in accordance
  with approved data.

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Major vs. Minor Repair

• Major Repair.  A repair that fits one or more of
  the following
• (1) Might appreciably affect airworthiness by
  changing weight, balance, structural strength,
  performance, powerplant operation, or flight
  characteristics if improperly done or
• (2) Is not done according to accepted practices
  or cannot be done by elementary operations.
• Minor Repair. Any repair that is not classified
  as a major repair.

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MAJOR REPAIRS AND MAJOR ALTERATIONS

• Major Repair means a repair
• That, if improperly done, might appreciably
  affect weight, balance, structural strength,
  performance, powerplant operation, flight
  characteristics, or other qualities affecting
  airworthiness or
• That is not done according to accepted practices
  or cannot be done by elementary operations.

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Special Flight Permits

• An aircraft that does not currently meet
  applicable airworthiness requirements may be
  operated if it is capable of safe flight.
• May be issued to fly an aircraft to a base where
  repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be
  performed, or to a point of storage.
• Subject or operating limitations.

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1. The flight described above shall be made
under VFR/VMC day conditions only, (unless the
additional limitation below authorizes
differently). The flight shall be made by the
most direct and expeditious route consistent with
the aircraft operating limitations and weather.
FAR 91.707 requires that a Flight Plan be filed
for flights between the USA and Canada or
Mexicono waiver available. 2. Occupancy of the
aircraft is limited to the pilot, essential
flight crew required to operate the aircraft and
its equipment and personal baggage. 3. Flight
over congested areas is prohibited, and takeoffs
and landings shall be conducted to avoid
congested areas in the vicinity of any of the
airports used in conjunction with this
authorization. Flight over a foreign country
must have special permission from that
country. 4. Prior to flight, the aircraft must
be inspected by a certificated mechanic or repair
station to determine the aircraft is safe for the
intended flight. The result of that inspection
will be entered in the permanent aircraft records
with the following similarly worded statement
This aircraft has been inspected and has been
found safe for the intended flight in accordance
with Special Flight Permit dated February 2,
2006.
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The Grey Area

• Manufacturers maintenance instructions may be
  limited in content and detail.
• Individual interpretation or understanding of the
  term airworthy may vary.
• You may consider the aircraft to be safe, but
  does it qualify as airworthy?
• Use your resources. Ask questions.
• Always be in a defendable position.

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What to look for

• Verify that scheduled maintenance requirements
  are current.
• Verify that there are no open discrepancies
  (unscheduled).
• Verify that maintenance record entries have been
  made.
• Do a good preflight.

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Scheduled Maintenance

• Required inspections (annual/100 hr.)
• Replacement of life limited components
• Altimeter/Transponder Certifications
• ELT battery replacement
• ELT annual check
• Airworthiness Directives
• All of these are predictable

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Flying Clubs

• Legal Interpretation 2000-2
• If a student furnishes an airplane which is not
  operated for hire and he/she hires the flight
  instructor, there is no requirement to accomplish
  100 hour inspections.
• 100 hour inspections are required if you provide
  flight instruction for hire and also provide the
  aircraft.

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Unscheduled Maintenance

• Line gripes
• How are they reported?
• Who decides what gets repaired?
• Can repair of the item be deferred?
• Has it been repaired or deferred properly?
• Has it been recorded properly?

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FAR 91.417 (a) MAINTENANCE RECORDS

• Complete maintenance records should contain the
  following

Aircraft Logbook
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• Records of the maintenance, preventive
  maintenance, alterations, 100 hour, annual,
  progressive and other required or approved
  inspections, as appropriate.
• Total time in service for the aircraft, each
  engine, each propeller, and each rotor.
• Current status of life-limited parts.
• Time since last required overhaul.

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• The current status of applicable Airworthiness
  Directives (A.D.)
• Copies of FAA Form 337 for any major alterations
  performed.

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FAR 91.417 (b)(1)

• The Owner or Operator shall retain all
  maintenance records for 1 year after the work is
  performed or until the work is repeated or
  superseded by other work.

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FAR 91.417 (b)(2)

• After one year, some maintenance records do not
  have to be retained.
• For the most part, this only pertains to repairs
  and unscheduled maintenance.
• All other records must be retained and
  transferred with the aircraft at the time the
  aircraft is sold.

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ADVISORY CIRCULAR 43-9B

• It is a shared responsibility by the Owner /
  Operator and Maintenance persons, with the
  ultimate responsibility to the Owner / Operator
  by FAR 91.

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RETURN TO SERVICE

• No person may operate an aircraft, airframe,
  engine, propeller, or appliance on which
  maintenance, preventive maint., or an alteration
  has been performed unless

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FAR 43.5 AND FAR 91.407

• It has been approved for return to service by a
  person authorized in FAR 43.
• Maintenance record entries completed.
• Form 337 completed.
• Flight manual revisions, as required.

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FAR 43.9 RECORD ENTRIES

• Maintenance Records (except for inspections)
  shall contain the following information

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• A description (or reference to data) of work
  performed.
• The date of completion of the work.
• The name of the person performing the work if
  other than specified below.
• The signature, certificate number, and kind of
  certificate held by the person approving the work.

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DESCRIPTION OF WORK PERFORMED

• The description should be in sufficient detail to
  permit a person unfamiliar with the work to
  understand what was done, and the
  methods and procedures used in doing it.
  FAR 91.417 Maint. Records.

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FAR 43.11, RECORD ENTRIES FOR INSPECTIONS

• The person approving or disapproving for return
  to service after any inspection performed IAW
  Part 91, 123, 125, 135 shall make an entry in
  the maintenance record the following

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• The type of inspection and a brief description of
  the extent of the insp.
• The date of the inspection and the total time in
  service.
• The signature, the certificate number, the kind
  of certificate held by the person approving or
  disapproving for return to service.

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• I certify that this aircraft has been inspected
  in accordance with (insert type) inspection and
  was determined to be in airworthy condition.
• Richard W.Rhuda AP123456789IA

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Sample Logbook Entry

• N123A Tach/Hobbs ACTT
•  
• Enter the type of inspection(s) performed
• Enter accomplishment of all A.D.s including the
  number, revision date, method of compliance, and
  if recurring, the next time/date it is due.
• Enter replacement or inspection of any component
  part with Airworthiness Limitations (include
  part, serial number, and total time in service
  for that component).
• Enter removal and installation of any serialized
  component replacement parts
• (include part, serial number, and total time in
  service for that component).
• Enter description of any other general
  maintenance performed.
• I certify that all work was performed in
  accordance with current Federal Aviation
  Regulations and manufacturers maintenance
  instructions.
•  
• ______________________ _________________________
  _ ____________
• Signature Certificate Date

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