Glossary
Airworthiness Directive (AD)
Definition
A legally binding order issued by the FAA requiring inspection, modification, or replacement of an aircraft component. Non-compliance renders the aircraft unairworthy.
Why It Matters
ADs can be one-time, recurring, or triggered by specific conditions. Tracking AD compliance dates alongside other maintenance items is critical — a missed AD is not just a scheduling problem, it's a regulatory violation.