Airworthiness Directives & Aviation Saftey
What Is an Airworthiness Directive
Under 14 CFR part 39, the FAA issues ADs in response to deficiencies and/or unsafe conditions found in aircraft, engines, propellers, or other aircraft parts. ADs require that the relevant problem must be corrected on all aircraft or aircraft parts using the same design. Furthermore, No person may operate a product that an AD applies to except in accordance with the requirements of the AD.
Types of AD.
After an unsafe condition comes to light, a proposed corrective action is published as an NPRM, which will ask for public comment on the proposed action. After the comment period (60 days) closes, the final rule is prepared, with the rule perhaps being changed as warranted by the comments. In some instances, the critical nature of an unsafe condition may warrant the immediate adoption of a rule without prior notice and solicitation of comments. If the time by which the terminating action must be accomplished is too short to allow for public comment, it can be issued as an immediately adopted rule.
When is an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued?
An Emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition requires immediate action by an owner/operator. An Emergency AD intends to correct an urgent safety of flight situation rapidly. An Emergency AD may be distributed by fax, letter, or other methods. It is issued and effective to only the people who receive it. This is known as “actual notice.” The Federal Register is the official daily publication of the United States Government. It is the printed method of informing the public of laws that are enacted or will be enacted. Electronic versions of ADs are available from the Federal Register and the Regulatory and Guidance Library. You can search by manufacturer, model, or AD number.
What information is found in AD?
Generally, ADs include:
A description of the unsafe condition
The product that the AD applies to
The required corrective action or operating limitations or both
The AD effective date
A compliance time
Where to go for more information
Information on alternative methods of compliance with the requirements of the AD
When is the issue resolved?
The AD specifies a compliance time related to the effective date of the AD. That compliance time determines when the actions are required. Different approaches or techniques that are not specified in an AD can, after FAA approval, be used to correct an unsafe condition on an aircraft or aircraft product. Although the alternative was not known at the time the AD was issued, an alternative method may be acceptable to accomplish the AD's intent. A compliance time that differs from the requirements of the AD can also be approved if the revised time and approved alternative method provides an acceptable level of safety as the requirements of the AD.
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