FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsHard
A mechanic reviewing maintenance records finds an applicable Airworthiness Directive (AD) requiring a recurring inspection every 100 flight hours. The records show the last AD compliance was performed 150 flight hours ago, with no further entries. What is the airworthiness status of the helicopter?
- ANot airworthy, because the recurring AD inspection is overdue
- BNot airworthy only if the AD is placed on the minimum equipment list (MEL)
- CAirworthy, because ADs only require one-time compliance
- DAirworthy, provided the pilot performs a thorough preflight inspection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Not airworthy, because the recurring AD inspection is overdue
Airworthiness Directives are mandatory and legally enforceable; recurring ADs must be complied with at the specified intervals to maintain airworthiness. Since 150 hours have elapsed against a 100-hour recurring requirement, the AD is overdue and the aircraft is not airworthy until compliance is completed.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. AD compliance is mandatory regardless of MEL status; MELs do not apply here.
- C. Recurring ADs require compliance at each specified interval, not just once.
- D. A preflight inspection cannot substitute for required AD compliance.
Airworthiness Directive (AD) Compliance
ADs are FAA-mandated corrective actions that must be complied with, including any recurring inspection intervals, to keep an aircraft airworthy.
- ADs are legally mandatory, not optional
- Recurring ADs require compliance at each interval
- Compliance must be recorded in maintenance records
Memory trick: An AD is the FAA's homework — skip a due date and you fail airworthiness