What is an Airworthiness Certificate and how long is it valid?

• A. It lasts indefinitely.
• B. It is valid for 5 years only.
• C. It confirms airworthiness; its validity depends on regulatory authority and ongoing airworthiness obligations, subject to compliance with ADs and inspections.
• D. It is not related to ADs or inspections.

Answer: (C)

An Airworthiness Certificate is a formal acknowledgment by the aviation authority that an aircraft conforms to its approved design and is in a condition for safe operation. Its validity isn’t a fixed expiration date; it depends on ongoing airworthiness requirements set by the regulatory authority and the operator’s continued compliance with those obligations. This includes mandatory adherence to Airworthiness Directives and required inspections and maintenance. If ADs aren’t complied with or inspections aren’t performed as required, the aircraft can be deemed not airworthy and the certificate can be suspended or revoked. Significant changes or repairs may also necessitate recertification. So the certificate confirms airworthiness, and its continued validity rests on ongoing compliance rather than a static term.