Civil aircraft airworthiness

In plain English

No one may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition, and the pilot in command is responsible for determining that before every flight. If the aircraft becomes unairworthy in flight, the flight must be discontinued.

Key points

• Airworthy = conforms to its type design AND is in condition for safe operation.
• The PIC makes the airworthiness determination before each flight.
• Discontinue the flight if it becomes unairworthy.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming a fresh annual makes the aircraft airworthy regardless of new defects.
• Flying with a known discrepancy that isn’t properly deferred (see 91.213).

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