Aircraft Nationality, Registration, Airworthiness and Documents to Be Carried
What the exam tests
This domain tests nationality and registration rules, the certificate of airworthiness, and the documents required for international flight. Expect questions on which State issues which document and what must be on board.
Core rules
- Aircraft have the nationality of the State in which they are registered. Registration marks and nationality marks must be displayed as required.
- The State of registry issues the certificate of registration and the certificate of airworthiness. Other States recognise the C of A under Article 33 if the standards are equal to or above ICAO minimums.
- Airworthiness is maintained through approved maintenance, inspections, modifications and defect control. A C of A does not replace the operator's continuing airworthiness responsibilities.
- Under Chicago Article 29, international flights carry the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, crew licences, journey log book, radio station licence, passenger list with places of embarkation and destination, and cargo manifest where cargo is carried. National rules may require more, such as insurance or noise documentation.
- The aircraft must be operated within the approved flight manual and any applicable MEL.
Worked example
An aircraft registered in State A is leased to an operator in State B. The C of A is issued by State A, the State of registry. State B may require its own operating authorisation and may inspect the aircraft, but it does not automatically reissue the C of A. The crew must carry the State A registration and airworthiness documents plus the licences and operational documents required for the flight.
Traps
Do not say the State of the operator always issues the C of A. Do not confuse registration with ownership. Do not assume domestic flights need every international document. Do not treat a radio station licence as the same as the C of A.