Definition
The condition of an aircraft being legally and mechanically fit for flight, meaning it conforms to its FAA-approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation, with all required inspections, airworthiness directives, and maintenance actions completed and properly documented.
Plain English
The aircraft is officially cleared to fly because it matches its approved design, is in safe working condition, and all required paperwork and inspections are up to date.
Context Anchor
Encountered during preflight assessment, before the pilot accepts or operates the aircraft.
Derivation
From 'air' plus 'worthy,' meaning deserving or fit. 'Worthy' comes from Old English 'weorth,' meaning of value or merit. So 'airworthy' literally means 'fit for the air' — the aircraft has earned the right to fly.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot must confirm airworthy status before every flight; operating without it violates regulations and creates safety risks.
Intuition Check
Do not assume airworthy status means “it looks fine” or “it flew yesterday.” It means the aircraft currently meets the legal requirements and is safe to fly.
Example Sentence 1
Before each flight, the pilot reviews the maintenance logs to confirm the aircraft is in airworthy status.
Example Sentence 2
A missing annual inspection caused the aircraft to lose its airworthy status until the required work was completed and documented.