Definition
The condition of an aircraft being in compliance with its FAA-approved type design and in a safe condition for flight. An aircraft is airworthy only when both criteria are met: it conforms to its certified design (including any approved modifications) and all required inspections, maintenance, and repairs have been completed so that it is safe to operate.
Plain English
The aircraft is built the way the FAA approved it and is in safe shape to fly. Both have to be true at the same time.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter aircraft airworthiness during preflight planning, aircraft inspections, maintenance record reviews, and FAA safety inspections.
Derivation
From 'air' plus 'worthy' (Old English 'weorthig'), meaning 'fit' or 'deserving.' The word literally means 'fit for the air,' echoing older terms like 'seaworthy' for ships fit to sail.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot may not legally fly an aircraft unless it is airworthy, and failure to verify this can lead to regulatory violations or safety incidents.
Grounding Statement
Before takeoff, aircraft airworthiness means the airplane is both safe enough and legally ready to fly.
Intuition Check
Do not assume aircraft airworthiness means only that the aircraft can lift off the runway. In aviation, it means the aircraft meets required approval, inspection, maintenance, and safe-condition standards.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot reviewed the maintenance logs to confirm the aircraft was airworthy.
Example Sentence 2
Following the annual inspection, the mechanic returned the aircraft to airworthiness status.