airworthy
Cleared for flight
Airworthy describes an aircraft that meets safety standards for flight.
An airworthy plane has been inspected and certified as mechanically sound: The inspector declared the helicopter airworthy.
The term applies to the overall condition required for legal and safe operation, not just whether something can physically fly.
Consistently performing as expected
- dependableWorthy of trust
- secureProtected from harm
- robustStrong and durable
- airborneTraveling through air
operational · functional · serviceable · cleared · seaworthy · roadworthy · trustworthy · proven
Itemized verification guide
- preflightBefore aircraft takes off
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
audit · testing · verification · diagnostics · scrutiny · review · survey · protocol
Aircraft's central structure
- airframeAircraft's structural body
- wingsLimbs for flight
- rivetsPermanent metal fasteners
- corrosionChemical wearing away
fatigue · cracks · integrity · bulkhead · skin · spar · stress · inspection
U.S. flight safety agency
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- certificateFormal written attestation
- approvalFavorable opinion given
authorization · standards · documentation · conformity · licensing · permit · endorsement · qualification
Complete systematic repair
- servicingPerforming routine maintenance
- repairsRestorative maintenance work
- techniciansSkilled equipment handlers
- mechanicsScience of motion
upkeep · restoration · refurbishment · reconditioning · troubleshooting · lubrication · corrosion · preventive
reliable
Consistently performing as expected
- dependableWorthy of trust
- secureProtected from harm
- robustStrong and durable
airborne · operational · functional · serviceable · cleared · seaworthy · roadworthy · trustworthy · proven · sound
checklist
Itemized verification guide
- preflightBefore aircraft takes off
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
assessment · audit · testing · verification · diagnostics · scrutiny · review · survey · protocol · procedure
fuselage
Aircraft's central structure
corrosion · fatigue · cracks · integrity · bulkhead · skin · spar · stress · inspection · pressurization
FAA
U.S. flight safety agency
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- certificateFormal written attestation
approval · authorization · standards · documentation · conformity · licensing · permit · endorsement · qualification · validation
overhaul
Complete systematic repair
- servicingPerforming routine maintenance
- repairsRestorative maintenance work
- techniciansSkilled equipment handlers
mechanics · upkeep · restoration · refurbishment · reconditioning · troubleshooting · lubrication · corrosion · preventive · hangar
airworthyunairworthy
Unsafe for flight
uncertified · condemned · decertified · non-compliant · unflyable
airworthyunflyable
Cannot be piloted aloft
grounded · inoperable · unserviceable · out of service · non-operational