Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

An "airworthiness directive" (AD) is a legally enforceable regulation issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that addresses specific safety issues related to particular aircraft or equipment. The purpose of an AD is to mandate the necessary actions that operators must take to correct or prevent unsafe conditions that may arise in existing aircraft. This regulatory tool is crucial for maintaining aviation safety, as it ensures that all affected aircraft comply with measures that can mitigate risks associated with design defects, operational environments, or other safety-related issues observed over time.

This distinction between an AD and other types of documents is essential. For example, advisory guidelines issued by manufacturers typically provide recommendations rather than enforceable regulations, which differentiates them from ADs. Similarly, recommendations for pilots during flight planning or performance metrics from flight tests are not binding regulations and do not carry the same legal enforcement as an AD. Therefore, understanding the role and authority of airworthiness directives is vital for aviation operators and ensures compliance with safety standards that protect both the aircraft and the people on board.