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Airworthiness
The condition in which an aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a condition for safe flight. Under 14 CFR 91.7, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is airworthy, and the pilot in command is responsible for that determination before each flight.
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Learn more in Private Pilot License→Related Terms
- AME (Aviation Medical Examiner)A physician designated by the FAA to perform medical examinations for pilot certificates. AMEs evaluate vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and general fitness to determine if applicants meet medical standards.
- AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician)A certified technician authorized to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft. AMTs hold Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) certificates issued by the FAA after completing approved training and passing written, oral, and practical exams.
- Angle of Attack (AOA)The angle between the chord line of an airfoil (wing) and the relative wind. As angle of attack increases, lift increases up to the critical angle of attack, beyond which the wing stalls regardless of airspeed or attitude.
- Annual InspectionA thorough aircraft inspection required at least once every 12 calendar months under 14 CFR 91.409(a). No person may operate an aircraft unless it has had an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months. An annual also satisfies the 100-hour inspection requirement when applicable.