The term "airworthiness" in aviation refers to an aircraft's status and ability to be operated in flight and on the ground without significant hazard to aircrew, ground crew, passengers or to third parties ¹. The following are key points about airworthiness in aviation ² ¹ ³:
- *Certificate of Airworthiness*: Every aircraft must have its own Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A), which is achieved when the aircraft conforms to its certificated Type Design and is in a condition for safe operation.
- *Type Certificate*: Newly manufactured aircraft are delivered to customers having been built according to the applicable Type Certificate, which is issued in respect of the defined build standard of the first aircraft of the specific type.
- *Airworthiness Review Certificate*: EU operators require an Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC), which is issued by the relevant Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) working on behalf of the operator.
- *Airworthiness Authorities*: Each National Aviation Authority (NAA) is the Airworthiness Authority for that State and is responsible for developing the regulatory regime which will apply.
- *Airworthiness Directives*: Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are issued by Airworthiness Authorities to disseminate and control safety-related requirements.