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Airworthiness Flowchart

with Video Explanation on how it works!

Ten years ago, after conducting IA Seminars for twenty years, I created this FLOWCHART that literally will answer ANY question you might ask related to aircraft maintenance! Each time I conducted a Seminar I challenged the IAs to ask a question, and if I could not answer it with the FLOWCHART I would buy them dinner! I have NEVER had to pay off! Just follow the FLOWCHART from right to left, based upon what your question is, to arrive at Airworthiness!

  • For a product or a part to be considered airworthy, two separate conditions must exist at all times:
    (1) it must be in a condition that assures its safe use during flight and,
    (2) it must adhere to the type certificate holder’s drawings and specifications.

  • The Type Design is defined by the Type Certificate Data Sheet, Airworthiness Directives, Aircraft Flight Manual ,or Pilot’s Operating Handbook for older aircraft, the Illustrated Parts Catalog, and the required Equipment List (describes what is required to be installed on the aircraft).

  • If the parts/product are not original equipment, have alterations been made? Alterations alter the Type Design.

  • Type Design can be altered in four ways:
    (1) a Type Certificate Holder can alter their product;
    (2) by a Supplemental Type Certificate;
    (3) by a Form 337 FAA field approval;
    (4) and by an Airworthiness Directive.
    If Type Design was altered by any other method, it is not an approved alteration. As such, the condition for meeting the product/part’s type design is not met. The product is not considered airworthy!

  • For a product/part to be airworthy, the two conditions and all of the sub-factors must be in agreement and in synch. If one of the sub-factors produces a negative answer or is out of synch, then the corresponding condition fails. The product/part is not considered airworthy. If all of the sub-factors produce a positive result and are in synch, then the corresponding condition passes. The product/part is considered to be airworthy.

You can check out the Airworthiness Flowchart Video at the end of this page!

  • If condition one and two are determined to be airworthy, then the aircraft or product is airworthy.
  • If either condition is determined to be unairworthy, then the entire aircraft or product is unairworthy, until it can be rendered airworthy by clearing the defect.

Print Flowchart Front & Back

Airworthiness Flowchart Video

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