Aviation Glossary - Airworthiness Directive

Airworthiness Directive

a regulation issued by the FAA that applies to aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances, when an unsafe condition exists and that condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

source: FAA Acceptable Methods - Aircraft Inspection and Repair (AC 43.13-1B)

Airworthiness Directive (AD): A regulatory notice sent out by the FAA to the registered owner of an aircraft informing the owner of a condition that prevents the aircraft from continuing to meet its conditions for airworthiness. Airworthiness Directives (AD notes) must be complied with within the required time limit, and the fact of compliance, the date of compliance, and the method of compliance must be recorded in the aircraft’s maintenance records.

source: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)

A notice sent out by the FAA to the registered owner of an aircraft notifying him or her of an unsafe condition that has been found on the aircraft. Compliance with AD notes is mandatory.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe Handbook (FAA-H-8083-31)

Issued by the FAA in response to deficiencies and/or unsafe conditions found in aircraft, engines, propellers, or other aircraft parts. Compliance with an AD is mandatory.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician General Handbook (FAA-H-8083-30)

A regulatory notice sent out by the FAA to the registered owner of an aircraft informing him or her of the discovery of a condition that keeps the aircraft from continuing to meet its conditions for airworthiness. Also called AD notes, they are covered by Federal Aviation Regulations part 39 Airworthiness Directives. They must be complied with within the specified time, and the fact, date, and method of compliance must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Handbook (FAA-H-8083-32)

A regulatory notice sent out by the FAA to the registered owner of an aircraft informing him or her of a condition that prevents the aircraft from meeting its conditions for airworthiness. Compliance requirements will be stated in the AD.

source: FAA Balloon Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-11)

When an unsafe condition exists with an aircraft, the FAA issues an Airworthiness Directive to notify concerned parties of the condition and to describe the appropriate corrective action.

source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A)

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to notify owners and users of aeronautical products of unsafe conditions and the mandatory corrections under which the product may continue to be used. Each AD is an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, part 39; as such, it is part of the Federal Public Laws.

source: FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook (FAA-H-8084-17)

Airworthiness Directive (AD): A regulatory notice sent out by the FAA to the registered owner of an aircraft informing the owner of a condition that prevents the aircraft from continuing to meet its conditions for airworthiness. Compliance with AD notes must be within the required time limit, and the fact of compliance, the date of compliance, and the method of compliance must be recorded in the aircraft's maintenance records.

source: FAA Weight Shift Control Handbook (FAA-H-8083-5)