To maintain an aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate, two basic requirements must be met:
-
Compliance with Maintenance and Inspection Requirements: The aircraft must undergo regular maintenance and inspections in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and relevant regulations set by aviation authorities (e.g., FAA in the United States). This includes routine preventative maintenance, annual inspections, and other required inspections (such as 100-hour inspections, if applicable).
-
Continued Airworthiness: The aircraft must remain in a condition for safe operation. This means addressing any airworthiness directives (ADs) issued by aviation authorities and addressing any repairs or modifications necessary to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly.
As for expiration, an Airworthiness Certificate does not have a set expiration date. However, it can become invalid if the aircraft fails to meet the above requirements, if it is involved in a significant accident, or if major modifications are made without proper approval. Frequent inspections and upkeep are essential to ensure that the certificate remains valid.