FAA Ground School Practice Test

How long does an airworthiness certificate or an aircraft remain valid?

1. For the lifetime of the pilot

2. As long as the aircraft is maintained and operated as required by Federal Aviation regulations

3. Until the next scheduled maintenance check

4. Only during commercial flights

The correct answer is: As long as the aircraft is maintained and operated as required by Federal Aviation regulations

The airworthiness certificate for an aircraft remains valid as long as the aircraft is maintained and operated in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). This means that the aircraft must continuously meet the safety and operational standards set forth by the FAA. Regular maintenance, inspections, and adherence to operational regulations are crucial to ensure that the aircraft remains safe for flight. If the maintenance requirements are not met, or if the aircraft is involved in an incident that would cause it to no longer meet the regulatory standards, the airworthiness certificate could be suspended or revoked. Therefore, the ongoing compliance with maintenance and operational regulations is key to the validity of the airworthiness certificate. The other options do not accurately reflect the conditions under which an airworthiness certificate remains valid. For instance, the lifetime of a pilot or the schedule of maintenance checks alone does not determine airworthiness; it is the compliance with maintenance protocols and regulations that ensures safety and certification.