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Airworthiness Question

Asked by: 2501 views FAA Regulations

Does the registration certificate ever expire?

Does the airworthiness certificate expire?

How can a brand new airplane without an annual inspection is airworthy?

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1 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Sep 09, 2018

    Yes, registrations expire. See CFR 14 47.40 for details. Normally, re-registration is required every three years.

    As long as the aircraft is maintained in accordance with the applicable regulations, the airworthiness certificate does not usually expire. It may be surrendered to or revoked by the FAA.

    A new aircraft is issued its original airworthiness certificate. Annuals are required by 91.409(a) and if you read 91.409(a)(2) it applies to newly manufactured aircraft. So the 12 month clock starts with the issuance of an original airworthiness issued by the manufacturer.

    Sec. 91.409 Inspections.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had–
    (1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to service by a person authorized by Sec. 43.7 of this chapter; or
    (2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter.

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