Definition
The ongoing responsibility to keep an aircraft in a condition that meets its original type design or properly altered condition, and is safe for flight. This is achieved through required inspections, maintenance, repairs, compliance with airworthiness directives, and adherence to the manufacturer's instructions for continued airworthiness throughout the aircraft's service life.
Plain English
Keeping an aircraft safe and legal to fly over time by inspecting it, fixing problems, and following the rules and manufacturer instructions for its upkeep.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft ownership, maintenance, inspection, and light-sport aircraft discussions, especially when the FAA handbook explains who is responsible for keeping an aircraft safe after it enters service.
Derivation
Airworthy' combines 'air' with 'worthy' (deserving or fit for). 'Continued' means kept up over time. So the phrase literally means 'staying fit for the air' — not just on day one, but every day the aircraft is flown.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots and owners must ensure continued airworthiness to prevent accidents and meet regulatory requirements for flight operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read continued airworthiness as a one-time approval. It means the airplane must keep meeting the required safety condition every time it is operated.
Example Sentence 1
The owner is responsible for the continued airworthiness of the aircraft, including ensuring all required inspections are completed on time.
Example Sentence 2
Failure to address corrosion issues can compromise the continued airworthiness of the airplane.