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Aircraft Airworthiness

FAR 91.7 — Aircraft Airworthiness

FAR 91.7 explains civil aircraft airworthiness rules: the PIC must verify safe flight condition and discontinue flight if unairworthy issues arise.

In Plain English

FAR 91.7 is one of the most frequently cited regulations on checkrides because it puts airworthiness squarely on the pilot in command (PIC). The rule has two parts:

  • (a) No one may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. "Airworthy" generally means the aircraft conforms to its type certificate (and approved alterations) and is in condition for safe operation.
  • (b) The PIC is personally responsible for determining the aircraft is in condition for safe flight before takeoff, and must discontinue the flight if any unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural condition develops in flight.

Why it matters operationally: a mechanic or owner can sign off inspections, but on the day of flight the legal duty to make the final airworthiness call belongs to you, the PIC. This is why a thorough preflight, review of maintenance logs, and a careful interpretation of any abnormal indication in flight are not optional — they are how you comply with 91.7.

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Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.7
§ 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness. (a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. (b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.
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You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in condition for safe flight?
Per FAR 91.7(b), the pilot in command is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in condition for safe flight.
Q2If a mechanical problem develops in flight, what does the regulation require you to do?
FAR 91.7(b) requires the PIC to discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.
Q3Can a civil aircraft legally be operated if it is not airworthy?
No. FAR 91.7(a) prohibits any person from operating a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.
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§91.155 visibility & cloud clearance by airspace
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250-kt, 200-kt, Class B shelf, and Class C/D airport caps
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§91.205 required equipment for VFR day & night
§91.413 Transponder Recertification
24-calendar-month tests and post-maintenance checks
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Related Sections in Part 91
§ 91.1
Part 91 Applicability
§ 91.1001
Fractional Ownership Applicability
§ 91.1002
Fractional Ownership Compliance
§ 91.1003
Fractional Ownership Contracts
§ 91.1005
Fractional Ownership Limitations
§ 91.1007
Fractional Program Flights
§ 91.1009
Operational Control
§ 91.101
Flight Rules Applicability
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