Airworthiness Directives: How to Find ADs for Your Aircraft
Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are mandatory safety orders issued by the FAA. If an AD applies to your aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance and compliance isn't current, your aircraft is not airworthy — period. Here's how to find every applicable AD and verify your aircraft's compliance.
What Is an Airworthiness Directive?
ADs are issued under 14 CFR Part 39 when the FAA determines that an unsafe condition exists in a type of aircraft, engine, propeller, or component. They mandate specific inspections, modifications, or operational limitations. Non-compliance means the aircraft cannot be operated legally.
ADs are not suggestions. They are regulatory requirements with the force of law.
Two Types of ADs
One-time compliance ADs: Require a specific inspection or modification to be performed once. After documented completion, the AD is satisfied.
Recurring ADs: Require repeated inspections or actions on a set schedule (hours, cycles, calendar time). These must be tracked and performed continuously.
Your aircraft's maintenance logbook should have an entry for every AD that applies. If it doesn't, that's a red flag.
How to Find ADs for Your Aircraft
The FAA AD database: The FAA maintains a searchable AD database at rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/. Search by aircraft make/model, engine, or AD number. This is the authoritative source.
Aeradex N-Number Lookup: The lookup at aeradex.com/lookup shows the applicable AD count for your aircraft's make/model. This is a quick indicator of how many ADs exist for your aircraft type — not a compliance tracker, but useful for understanding the AD burden before purchase.
Manufacturer service bulletins: Some ADs are triggered by manufacturer service bulletins. Check the manufacturer's website for service bulletin indexes relevant to your aircraft.
What ADs Apply to Your Aircraft?
ADs can apply at multiple levels:
- Aircraft type certificate: ADs for the airframe based on make and model
- Engine type certificate: ADs for your specific engine model
- Propeller: ADs for your propeller model
- Components and appliances: ADs for avionics, autopilots, ELTs, and other installed equipment
A Cessna 172 with a Lycoming O-320 and a Garmin G5 could have applicable ADs at all four levels. Tracking them comprehensively requires checking each.
Verifying AD Compliance on Your Aircraft
Your IA (Inspection Authorization) mechanic is responsible for verifying and documenting AD compliance at each annual inspection. The aircraft maintenance logbook should contain a signed entry for each applicable AD showing:
- AD number and revision
- Date of compliance
- Method of compliance
- Next due date (for recurring ADs)
Ask your A&P or IA for an AD compliance list if you don't have one. This is standard practice and any competent maintenance facility can generate one.
Before Buying an Aircraft
AD compliance is a critical pre-purchase check. Outstanding ADs — ones that apply to the aircraft but have no logbook entry — are either undiscovered safety issues or undisclosed compliance problems. Either is serious.
Aeradex's pre-purchase aircraft report ($9.99) includes an AD compliance summary. For aircraft you're seriously considering buying, it's worth the 10 minutes and $9.99 to understand the AD landscape before you're committed.
Staying Current
New ADs are issued continuously. Your IA should be checking for new ADs at each annual, but if you're an owner-operator, consider:
- Signing up for FAA AD notification emails at the FAA website
- Checking the AD database before any major trip if your aircraft has known recurring ADs
- Ensuring your maintenance facility uses a current AD service (not an outdated printed list)
AD compliance isn't glamorous, but it's one of the most fundamental aspects of operating a legal, airworthy aircraft.