📘14 CFR §91.7 – Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

🚩 Overview

As the pilot-in-command (PIC), you have the legal responsibility to ensure your aircraft is safe and meets all airworthiness requirements before every flight.

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✅ Pilot Responsibilities for Airworthiness

🛫 1. Aircraft Must Be Airworthy

• You must confirm that the aircraft is airworthy before you fly.

• "Airworthy" means the aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation.

🛫 2. Determining Airworthiness

• Before each flight, the PIC must:

  • Perform a thorough preflight inspection.

  • Verify all required inspections and maintenance are up-to-date (Annual, 100-hour, ADs, etc.).

  • Confirm no unapproved modifications or discrepancies exist.

🛫 3. In-Flight Responsibilities

• If the aircraft experiences any mechanical, electrical, or structural issues during flight, you must:

  • Evaluate the situation promptly.

  • Land as soon as safely practical if airworthiness is compromised.

🛫 4. Prohibition Against Flying Unairworthy Aircraft

• You may not operate an aircraft if it's determined to be unairworthy.

• It's a violation of regulations to knowingly fly an aircraft that does not meet required airworthiness standards.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

You discover a crack in the aircraft’s propeller spinner during preflight. Even though it seems minor, you must consider the aircraft unairworthy until a certified mechanic evaluates and clears it for flight. Making the right decision here keeps you compliant and safe.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Teach Thorough Preflights: Emphasize detailed preflight inspections, including checking required documentation and maintenance logs, to prevent accidental violations.

• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Train your students to confidently ground an aircraft when any doubts about airworthiness arise. Safety and compliance must always take priority.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §91.7 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-A/section-91.7

• FAA Aircraft Airworthiness Handbook (FAA-H-8083-19A): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_airframe_handbook/media/ama_Ch01.pdf

• FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak