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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 43.16

Airworthiness limitations

Read the official rule

When aircraft manufacturers identify certain critical maintenance tasks or inspections in the "Airworthiness Limitations" section of their maintenance manuals, those items become mandatory. This regulation requires anyone performing these specific tasks to follow the manufacturer's procedures exactly as written.

These airworthiness limitations typically cover life-limited parts, structural inspections, and other safety-critical items that directly affect whether the aircraft can safely fly. The manufacturer determines these based on engineering analysis and testing.

You have three ways to comply:

  • Follow the manufacturer's airworthiness limitations section directly
  • Operate under FAA-approved specifications (for Part 121/135 operators)
  • Use an inspection program approved under § 91.409(e)

This matters because airworthiness limitations aren't optional recommendations—they're mandatory requirements. Ignoring them means the aircraft isn't airworthy, and you cannot legally fly it. These limitations exist to prevent catastrophic failures of critical components.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.