FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionHard
A technician finds that an aircraft's records show an Airworthiness Directive (AD) was complied with 500 hours ago, but the AD requires recurring compliance every 400 hours. What is the technician's responsibility regarding this discrepancy?
- AThe aircraft is unairworthy and the AD compliance is overdue and must be addressed before further flight
- BThe AD only needs to be addressed at the next annual inspection
- CThe technician should note it in the logbook but the aircraft may continue flying under IFR only
- DNo action is needed since the AD was complied with at least once
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The aircraft is unairworthy and the AD compliance is overdue and must be addressed before further flight
Airworthiness Directives are mandatory and legally enforceable; if a recurring AD's compliance interval has been exceeded, the aircraft is not airworthy until the AD is complied with, regardless of the next scheduled inspection.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Waiting until the next annual would allow continued illegal operation beyond the AD's due interval
- C. There is no exception allowing flight under IFR only when an AD is overdue
- D. Recurring ADs must be complied with at every specified interval, not just once
Airworthiness Directive (AD) Compliance
A mandatory FAA-issued directive correcting an unsafe condition in an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance; compliance is legally required and tracked in maintenance records.
- ADs are enforceable under 14 CFR Part 39 and mandatory for all affected aircraft
- Recurring ADs must be complied with at each specified interval, not just once
- Overdue AD compliance makes the aircraft unairworthy regardless of other inspection status
Memory trick: An AD is a law, not a suggestion — miss the deadline and you're grounded