Airworthiness directives require specific actions to:

The correct answer is focused on the primary purpose of airworthiness directives (ADs), which is to address and rectify unsafe conditions that may affect an aircraft's safety. When an unsafe condition is identified, typically through reports, accidents, or findings during inspections, the appropriate aviation regulatory authority issues an AD to mandate specific inspections, modifications, or maintenance actions. This ensures that any risk associated with the unsafe condition is effectively mitigated, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft fleet.

The purpose of airworthiness directives is not to prevent all future aircraft accidents, as that would be unrealistic. While compliance with operational limits is important for safe flight, it does not encompass the broader actions mandated by airworthiness directives. Additionally, while increasing aircraft performance can be a goal for certain upgrades or modifications, it is not the focus of the AD process, which is centered around safety and the resolution of identified hazards.