Lufttüchtigkeitsanforderungen

Lufttüchtigkeit, in aviation often translated as airworthiness, is the measure by which an aircraft and its systems are fit for flight. It is determined by conformity with design, production, and maintenance standards set by regulatory authorities and international standards bodies such as ICAO. In most jurisdictions, a formal certificate of airworthiness is issued after the aircraft design and production meet the applicable requirements; in the EU, EASA issues type certificates and continued airworthiness requirements, while in the United States the FAA issues type certificates and performs oversight through airworthiness directives.

Continued airworthiness requires ongoing maintenance, inspections, and documentation to ensure the aircraft remains safe to operate. Operators follow a maintenance program, respond to airworthiness directives, and track modifications through logbooks. For many aircraft, a current airworthiness certificate, valid maintenance records, and an up-to-date MEL or similar checklist are required to operate legally.

There are different categories of airworthiness: standard airworthiness for conventional aircraft, restricted or special airworthiness for experimental, light-sport, or research aircraft, and transport categories with varying certification standards. The certification process typically includes design audit, production conformity, and a type certificate, with additional supplements such as supplemental type certificates for modifications.

Overall, airworthiness is a foundational concept in aviation safety, ensuring that aircraft systems function correctly and remain compliant with evolving standards throughout their operational life.