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airworthy — Aviation Definition | Keynomen Aviation

Words for: Preflight Procedures

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airworthy

Plain English Meaning

The aircraft is built the way the FAA approved and is in good enough shape to fly safely. If either of those is not true, it is not airworthy.

Full Definition

An aircraft is airworthy when it conforms to its FAA-approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation. Both conditions must be met: the aircraft matches the configuration the FAA certified (no unapproved modifications or missing required equipment), and all parts and systems are working properly with required inspections current.

Context Anchor

You will see this term in preflight decisions, maintenance records, aircraft inspections, and FAA discussions of who is responsible for deciding whether an aircraft may be flown.

airworthy

Derivation

From 'air' plus 'worthy,' meaning 'fit for' or 'deserving of.' Literally, fit to be in the air. The word frames flight as a privilege the aircraft must earn by meeting a standard, not a default state.

Why Pilots Care

An aircraft must be airworthy to be flown legally. Operating one that is not violates regulations and increases risk.

Intuition Check

Airworthy does not simply mean “the airplane can probably get off the ground.” It means the aircraft is approved, properly maintained, and safe for the specific flight being considered.

Example Sentence 1

After finding a cracked exhaust clamp during preflight, the pilot determined the aircraft was not airworthy and grounded it until a mechanic could inspect it.

Example Sentence 2

Following the repair of the landing gear, the mechanic returned the airplane to airworthy status.