Airworthiness Directive (AD)

An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is an official safety notice issued by aviation authorities, such as the FAA or EASA, to aircraft owners and operators. It identifies specific issues or maintenance requirements necessary to ensure an aircraft remains safe to fly. ADs may stem from discovered defects, design flaws, or new safety information. Compliance with ADs is mandatory, often involving inspections, repairs, or modifications, to prevent potential accidents. Essentially, ADs serve as a proactive safety measure, helping maintain high safety standards within the aviation industry.