As of July 1, 2024, the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department has imposed substantial and egregious fees on pilots flying General Aviation aircraft on recreational flights. Pilots should be mindful of these new and additional fees before considering flying to the Bahamas. Read More
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Aircraft Airworthiness

Resources for maintaining an airworthy aircraft

Is your aircraft—or the one you'd like to buy—airworthy? Learn how to find out and what to look for.

Airworthiness Directives
Airworthiness directives (ADs) are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, usually as a result of factors arising from accidents and/or service difficulty reports. An AD may require inspection, replacement, or modification of a part; prohibit a type of operation; or mandate some other action. The aircraft owner/operator is responsible for AD compliance. ADs are numbered in chronological order.

AOPA's Guide to Aircraft Airworthiness
The regulations (FARs) prohibit any person from taking off in an "unairworthy" aircraft. FAR 91.7 is very clear in prohibiting operations of aircraft that are not in airworthy condition. What is unclear is the definition of airworthy and who is responsible for determining airworthiness. The sources compiled on this page will help you to determine whether your aircraft is legal to fly.


Airworthiness Issues for the Pilot in Command
14 CFR 91.7 places responsibility on the pilot in command by stating, "The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight."  Many aircraft owners might be surprised to find multiple violations for flying an aircraft that is not airworthy. Learn more about airworthiness and how it affects your aircraft.

FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIBs)
SAIBs are an information tool designed to alert, educate, and make recommendations to the aviation community about ways to improve the safety of a product. A SAIB contains non-regulatory information and guidance and, therefore, is not mandatory.

FAA's Supplemental Type Certificate Database
Shop for a modification or conversion upgrade for your aircraft.