What is the purpose of an Airworthiness Directive?

An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is a regulation issued by the FAA to address and correct unsafe conditions that have been identified on specific aircraft or aircraft components. The primary purpose of an AD is to ensure safety in aviation by mandating necessary actions that must be taken to rectify issues that could jeopardize the airworthiness of an aircraft. These directives may require inspections, modifications, or improvements to be made to the aircraft to prevent accidents or incidents caused by mechanical failures or safety hazards.

By prioritizing the correction of unsafe conditions, the AD plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of passengers and crew members as well as protecting property and the environment. It is important to recognize that while there are other considerations in aircraft operation and maintenance—such as performance enhancement, cost reduction, and procedural standardization—the fundamental aim of an AD centers specifically on addressing and mitigating safety risks.