Definition of Airworthy

by Neale
(New Zealand)

Can you please give the FAA definition of airworthy?

ANSWER: There are two conditions that must be met for an aircraft to be considered "Airworthy”

1. The aircraft must conform to its type design (TC). Conformity to type design is considered attained when the aircraft configuration and the components installed are consistent with the drawings, specifications, and other data that are part of the TC, which includes any supplemental type certificate (STC) or other approved alterations.

2. The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation. This refers to the condition of the aircraft relative to wear and deterioration, for example, skin corrosion, window de-lamination or crazing, fluid leaks, tire wear, etc.

If either of these two conditions cannot be met, the aircraft is considered to be un-airworthy.

So, the goal for those persons who operate and maintain aircraft is to keep them in an airworthy condition or what is referred to as “continued airworthiness”.