Which statement about Airworthiness Directives is accurate?

• A. They Are Mandatory
• B. They Are Optional
• C. They Apply Only To Certified Air Carriers
• D. They Are Only For Older Aircraft

Answer: (A)

Airworthiness Directives are mandatory actions issued by the FAA to address unsafe conditions in aircraft, engines, propellers, or other critical components. When an AD is issued, compliance is legally required within the specified timeframe, and operating an aircraft that hasn’t complied can lead to grounding or penalties. They apply to any aircraft affected by the directive, not just to certified air carriers, and they’re not limited to older airplanes—newer models or specific configurations can be targeted as well. The purpose is to maintain airworthiness, so the statement that ADs are mandatory is the accurate one. The other options are incorrect because ADs are not optional, they apply to more than just certified carriers, and they are not restricted to older aircraft.