Õhusõidukõlblikkust

Õhusõidukõlblikkus is the Estonian term for airworthiness. It refers to the condition of an aircraft, engine, or propeller that is deemed safe for operation. This involves ensuring that the aircraft meets the design standards and is maintained in a condition that allows it to fly safely.

The concept of airworthiness is central to aviation safety. It is a continuous process that begins with the design and manufacturing of an aircraft and extends throughout its entire operational life. Regulatory authorities, such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, set the standards for airworthiness.

To achieve and maintain airworthiness, aircraft must undergo regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs according to approved procedures. These procedures are based on the aircraft's type design and any modifications or repairs made to it. Records of all maintenance and modifications are meticulously kept to demonstrate continued compliance with airworthiness requirements.

An airworthiness certificate is issued by the relevant aviation authority to an aircraft that meets these standards. This certificate is crucial for an aircraft to be legally operated. Any significant change to the aircraft's configuration or performance requires a review and approval process to ensure that airworthiness is maintained. Ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring an aircraft is airworthy lies with the owner or operator, who must comply with all applicable regulations and maintenance programs.