Page 12 - Volume 17 Number 4

AirwortIs ItThe determination of an aircraft’s airworthiness is a multi-faceted task. Practically speaking, each time an aircraft leaves the ground, the pilot in command bears the responsibility to make sure it’s in a safe condition to make the flight. From a legal standpoint, the owner or operator of the aircraft has to maintain the aircraft in a state of continuing airworthiness, based on the manufacturer’s instructions. As far as the FAA is concerned, it must conform to the provisions of its type certificate, the one that was in effect when the aircraft was originally built or as amended through supplemental certification. And to the inspector conducting a ramp check, the simple approach is that every installed and approved itemin the aircraft must be in working condition,by LeRoy Cookunless placarded in accordancewith the approved Minimum Equip- ment List.But, those of us who’ve been around aviation for a while know that nearly every aircraft, even one fresh from the factory, can be found to have some imperfection. It might be a sticky door latch, an avionics failure, a warninglight that comes on now and again ora worn-off placard. Practically speaking, we’ll always have to decide just how “unairworthy” the aircraft has to be before we’ll no longer accept it as flightworthy.Before the flight is begun, it is vital to conduct a through walk- around inspection and review any write-ups that might influence our decision to fly. A scratch on an outer window pane might not prevent us from flying, but it ought to be duly noted. Kneeling down in the snow to closely observe the landing gear components is definitely incon- venient, but it may be necessary to confirmairworthiness.10 • TWIN & TURBINEAPRIL 2013h