Chap 2: Airworthiness of Aircraft: Key Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to aircraft airworthiness as presented in the lecture notes.

Aeroplane

A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft deriving its lift chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on fixed surfaces.

Aircraft

Any machine that derives support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air, excluding reactions against the earth's surface

Type Certificate (TC)

A document issued by a Contracting State certifying the design of an aircraft type meets airworthiness requirements.

Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA)

A document issued by the State of Registry confirming that an aircraft is airworthy.

State of Registry

The State on whose register the aircraft is entered.

Continued Airworthiness (C/W)

Activities needed to ensure an aircraft remains airworthy after Type Certification.

Appropriate airworthiness requirements

Detailed critiria and obligations established or accepted by a Contracting State for a class of aircraft.

Satisfactory evidence

Documents and activities accepted by a Contracting State to demonstrate compliance with airworthiness requirements.

Maintenance Program

An program on how to ensure Continued Airworthiness throughout the aircraft's life.

Incremental approval

The approval process of changes made to an aircraft to ensure no new risks are introduced.

Major Repair

It is a repair that significantly affects the structural strength, performance, or operational characteristics of an aircraft. It typically requires specific documentation and may involve re-evaluation of the aircraft's airworthiness.

Airworthiness Directive

Mandatory instructions to address aircraft safety deficiencies.Issued by aviation authorities to ensure compliance and continued safety. They are legally enforceable and must be complied with by all operators of affected aircraft.

Pre-flight Inspection

Checks to ensure aircraft safety before flight.A thorough examination of an aircraft's systems, components, and structures to confirm they meet safety standards and operational requirements before departure.

Continued Airworthiness

Ongoing process for maintaining aircraft safety. It involves regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to regulatory requirements to ensure the aircraft remains safe to operate throughout its life.

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

Approval for modifications to an aircraft's design. It allows for changes or alterations that deviate from the original type design approved by the FAA, ensuring that any modifications maintain the aircraft's safety and compliance with standards.

Design Change

Modifications that may affect airworthiness.These changes can include adjustments to the aircraft's structure, systems, or equipment that must be evaluated to ensure continued compliance with safety standards.

Airworthiness Review

Verification of compliance with airworthiness requirements. It is a comprehensive assessment of an aircraft's condition and maintenance records to ensure that it meets all safety and regulatory standards before being returned to service.

Logbook

Record of aircraft's maintenance and operational history.It includes information about inspections, repairs, and modifications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining airworthiness.

Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)

Navigation relying on onboard capabilities for safety.

Weight and Balance

Critical for operating within design limits of aircraft.It refers to the distribution of the aircraft's weight, including the load and fuel, to ensure stability and control during flight. Proper weight distribution is essential for safe flight operations. It ensures that the aircraft remains within its operational limits and is critical for preventing adverse flight characteristics.

State of Design

The State responsible for the aircraft type design and ensuring compliance with standards.

State of Manufacture

The State responsible for overseeing final assembly of the aircraft.

Eligibility (CofA)

Any individual or legal entity in whose name the aircraft is registered may apply for a CofA.

Classification (CofA)

CofA may be standard or restricted, depending on aircraft design compliance.

Temporary Loss of Airworthiness

Occurs when the aircraft does not meet airworthiness conditions and cannot be operated until restored

Case of a Damaged Aircraft

The State of Registry decides whether damage affects airworthiness; it can restrict flight accordingly.

Airworthiness Review Certificate

A document attached to the CofA to confirm ongoing airworthiness during inspections.

Design Organization Approval (DOA)

An authorization enabling an organization to define aircraft design in compliance with applicable regulations.

Production Organization Approval (POA)

An authorization allowing an entity to manufacture aircraft under regulatory oversight.

EASA Form 1

A form issued in the EU to certify that a product complies with airworthiness requirements.

Export Certificate of Airworthiness

Certificate confirming airworthiness of an aircraft being transferred to another State.

Language Requirement

All manuals and markings must be in at least one official EU language accepted by the Member State of registration.

CofA Validity

Issued for an unlimited period unless suspended, withdrawn, or the aircraft no longer meets conditions.

Amendment or Change (CofA)

Can only be done by the competent authority of the Member State of registration.

Inspections

Aircraft inspections are required by the authority that issued the CofA to verify ongoing compliance.

Corrective Actions

Measures taken to rectify non-conformities during the aircraft's operational life to maintain airworthiness.

Entry into Service

The point at which an aircraft begins its operational life after receiving a CofA.

Airworthiness Loop

The continuous cycle of monitoring, maintenance, and updates to ensure ongoing airworthiness.

CS-25

Certification Specification applicable to large aeroplanes in the EASA framework, part of type certification.

Type Design

A set of approved data defining the characteristics of an aircraft, including drawings, processes, and limitations.

Design Capability

The manufacturer’s ability to meet type certification and environmental protection requirements.

Export Certificate of Airworthiness

Documentation confirming that an aircraft complies with airworthiness standards for export to another State.

Production Oversight

Surveillance by a competent authority to ensure the manufactured product meets airworthiness requirements.

Airworthiness Regulations

Legal framework establishing design, production, operation, and maintenance standards for aircraft.

Minimum Safety Standards

The baseline requirements all aircraft must meet to be considered airworthy under ICAO regulations.

Annex 8 to the Chicago Convention

The ICAO document defining international standards for aircraft airworthiness.

EU Part 21

European regulation detailing certification procedures for aircraft design and production organizations.

Inspection Requirements

Periodic checks required by the State of Registry to ensure that the aircraft continues to meet airworthiness standards.

Entry Into Service

The point in time when an aircraft begins operational use after certification and delivery processes are complete.

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

A certificate issued for modifications to an existing aircraft type design, showing that the change meets airworthiness requirements.