To determine if an airplane is airworthy, which records must a pilot check?

To determine if an airplane is airworthy, examining maintenance records and Airworthiness Directives (ADs) is essential. Maintenance records provide a detailed history of the aircraft's upkeep, including inspections, repairs, and any parts replacements. This information is crucial for verifying that the airplane has undergone all necessary maintenance as per regulatory standards and has no outstanding issues that could affect its safety or performance.

Airworthiness Directives are mandatory notifications issued by the FAA concerning safety defects or required maintenance for specific aircraft models. Pilots must check that the aircraft complies with any relevant ADs to ensure that all critical safety measures have been implemented. This combination of maintenance records and compliance with ADs provides a comprehensive overview of the airplane's airworthiness status.

Other options, while important in their own context, do not necessarily relate directly to the airworthiness of the aircraft. For instance, flight logs and pilot records focus on pilot qualifications and experience rather than the airplane's mechanical status. Fuel records deal with quantities and types of fuel but do not provide insights into the aircraft's maintenance or safety compliance. Lastly, insurance documents, while important for legal and financial protection, do not address the physical condition or airworthiness of the aircraft itself. Thus, focusing on maintenance records and ADs is