Definition
An FAA-issued document certifying that a specific aircraft conforms to its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation. It must be displayed in the aircraft where it is legible to passengers and crew, and it remains valid as long as the aircraft is maintained in accordance with FAA regulations.
Plain English
An official paper from the FAA that says this particular aircraft is built to an approved design and is safe to fly. It has to be on board and visible, and it stays valid as long as the aircraft is properly maintained.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during aircraft documents checks, preflight planning, aircraft inspections, and discussions of what makes an airplane legal to operate.
Derivation
From 'airworthy' — literally 'worthy of the air' — combined with 'certificate,' a written document confirming a fact. The word 'worthy' here means 'fit for' or 'meeting the standard for,' the same sense as in 'seaworthy.'
Why Pilots Care
Federal regulations require a valid airworthiness certificate on board for flight; operating without one is illegal and removes the FAA's assurance that the aircraft meets minimum safety standards.
Grounding Statement
Before flight, the airworthiness certificate is one of the key documents that helps show the airplane is legal to operate.
Intuition Check
Do not read “airworthiness certificate” as a guarantee that the airplane is safe right now. It means the FAA has issued approval for the aircraft, and that approval depends on the aircraft continuing to be maintained and operated properly.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot confirmed the airworthiness certificate was displayed in the cabin alongside the registration.
Example Sentence 2
After completing required maintenance, the owner ensured the airworthiness certificate remained valid.