Aircraft Documents, Airworthiness, Inspections, and Maintenance
- Episode: core-08
- Version: 0.2.1
- Source verification: Publication-day FAA and eCFR links plus claim-level relevance rechecked August 25, 2026
In this episode
- How approved configuration and present physical condition combine in an airworthiness determination.
- How to identify the certificates and approved operating information that apply to a particular airplane.
- The operating context for annual, 100-hour, ELT, altimeter/static, and transponder requirements.
- How maintenance records establish inspection and recurring-AD status without carrying original logbooks on every flight.
- How day, night, and operation-dependent VFR equipment requirements feed into the no-MEL inoperative-equipment sequence.
- The roles of owners, certified mechanics and inspectors, and the pilot in command before and after maintenance.
- Pilot preventive-maintenance privileges, required approval and records, and the purpose of a special flight permit.
Study materials
- Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS — Airworthiness Requirements
- PHAK Chapter 9 — Flight Manuals and Other Documents
- AC 91-67A — Operations Without an MEL
Fact-check and source material
| Topic | Source type | Authoritative source | Locator | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required certificates | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.203 | § 91.203(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| Operating limitations and approved manual material | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.9 | § 91.9(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| PIC responsibility | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.7 | § 91.7(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| Owner/operator responsibility | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.403 | § 91.403(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| Annual and 100-hour inspections | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.409 | § 91.409(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| Maintenance records and AD status | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.417 | § 91.417(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| Day- and night-VFR equipment | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.205 — VFR day and night equipment | § 91.205(b)–(c) | 2026-08-25 |
| Inoperative equipment | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.213 | § 91.213(a) and (d) | 2026-08-25 |
| Pilot preventive-maintenance eligibility | Regulation | 14 CFR § 43.3 | § 43.3(g) | 2026-08-25 |
| Maintenance record entry | Regulation | 14 CFR § 43.9 | § 43.9(a) | 2026-08-25 |
| Operation after maintenance | Regulation | 14 CFR § 91.407 | § 91.407(a)–(b) | 2026-08-25 |
| Special flight permits | Regulation | 14 CFR § 21.197 | § 21.197(a) | 2026-08-25 |
Correction status
Corrections and source updates are recorded in the episode production log before a revised version is published. Submit a source correction through the repository issue form or email [email protected]. Do not send credentials, private documents, or personal flight information.