How is airworthiness defined?

Airworthiness is fundamentally defined as the condition of an aircraft being safe and suitable for flight. This concept encompasses not only the physical condition of the aircraft but also its compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards set by aviation authorities. An airworthy aircraft is one that has been properly maintained, inspected, and is in a condition that adheres to the regulations for flying.

In this context, airworthiness implies that the aircraft is capable of performing safely in the environment it is intended to operate in. It means that all critical systems, structures, and components are functioning correctly and that there are no mechanical issues that could compromise safety during flight.

Regulatory bodies, like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), outline the necessary standards and regulations that must be followed to ensure airworthiness. Therefore, while maintenance records and operational status of onboard equipment are indeed important aspects of overall aircraft safety and performance, they serve as supporting factors in determining the airworthiness of an aircraft rather than defining it.