Airworthiness Directives (AD)

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are official notifications issued by aviation safety authorities, like the FAA, to aircraft operators and owners. They are mandatory instructions to address identified safety issues, such as defects or non-compliance with regulations, that could affect the safe operation of an aircraft. ADs specify the problem, required inspections, repairs, or modifications needed to ensure flight safety. Compliance with ADs is legally required, much like safety recalls for vehicles, and helps prevent accidents by ensuring that aircraft remain safe to fly throughout their operational life.