1. Airworthiness Directives A Lesson By Team A

2. Introduction An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is a directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to correct a specific unsafe condition found on a series of aircraft. Compliance with an AD is mandatory. An inspector must research and comply with all applicable ADs during an Annual inspection.

3. The Parts of an AD An airworthiness directive is divided into several parts. Identification Effectivity Applicability Description of problem Method of Compliance

4. Identification The identification heading on the AD informs the mechanic: – When the AD was written. – What product it is directed toward. – Federal identification numbers

5. Identification This is a copy of an identification header from an AD. – 2004 is the year it was written. – 14 denotes the bi-weekly in a year, in this case this AD came out in July. – 12 denotes that in the month of July this was the twelfth AD issued. – The other numbers are used for identification purposes by the FAA. 2004-14-12 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-13721; Docket No. FAA-2004-18032; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE- 15-AD.

6. Effectivity The effectivity label shows the mechanic when this AD become effective. This usually means that the airplane can no longer fly after that specified date until the owner complies with the AD. Effectivity is identified with a simple statement such as: “This AD becomes effective on August 10, 2004.”

7. Applicability This section identifies to the mechanic what airplanes, engines, or components are affected by this AD. They will be identified with: – Model number – Serial number – Manufacturer name – Component identification

8. Description of Problem This section gives the mechanic an overview of the unsafe condition identified for this AD. A identification statement looks like: This AD is the result of inadequate control wheel attaching hardware. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inadequate control wheel attachment design, which could result in loss of control of the ailerons and elevator. This failure could lead to loss of airplane.

9. Method of Compliance This section gives the mechanic detailed instruction about how to correct the identified problem. The instructions give a list of parts and instructions for how to install the needed components.

10. Test Your Knowledge In your own words, what is an AD and why is it relevant? An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is a directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to correct a specific unsafe condition found on a series of aircraft. Compliance with an AD is mandatory.

11. Test Your Knowledge List the parts of an AD – Identification – Effectivity – Applicability – Description of problem – Method of Compliance

12. Test Your Knowledge What does the Identification heading on the AD include? The identification heading on the AD informs the mechanic: – When the AD was written. – What product it is directed toward. – Federal identification numbers

13. Test Your Knowledge What does the Effectivity label contain? What is the significance of this information? – The effectivity label shows the mechanic when this AD become effective. This usually means that the airplane can no longer fly after that specified date until the owner complies with the AD.

14. Test Your Knowledge What information in the Applicability section tells the mechanic what aircraft, engines or components are affected? – Model number – Serial number – Manufacturer name – Component identification

15. Test Your Knowledge Write a sample “Description of Problem” statement. – Answers vary

16. Test Your Knowledge Describe the Method of Compliance section – This section gives the mechanic detailed instruction about how to correct the identified problem. The instructions give a list of parts and instructions for how to install the needed components.