Airworthiness and Technical Records
Core concepts
Technical records prove airworthiness. The candidate must know the aircraft technical log, journey log, engine log, and component records, and how they connect to the certificate of airworthiness. Understand the significance of the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, noise certificate, and radio station license. Know how life-limited parts are tracked and how a status report summarizes compliance. Understand the role of the continuing airworthiness management organization and how records support the airworthiness review.
Traps in questions
A common trap is assuming the certificate of airworthiness never expires - it remains valid subject to continuing compliance with the maintenance program and applicable ADs. Another is confusing the technical log (flight and defect record) with the maintenance records (work packages). Questions may test who signs the certificate of release to service and when it is required.
Worked example / rule of thumb
If a life-limited part reaches its limit, it is removed from service even if serviceable. Rule of thumb: every flight must be traceable through records from dispatch to release; if a record is missing, airworthiness is in doubt until resolved.