What is the legal effect of failing to comply with an airworthiness directive?

The legal effect of failing to comply with an airworthiness directive (AD) is that anyone operating a product not meeting the directive is in violation. Airworthiness directives are legally enforceable regulations issued by aviation authorities to address safety issues related to a specific aircraft model, engine, or product. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, as they are issued to ensure safety and airworthiness.

When an operator or a maintenance personnel fails to comply with an AD, they violate the regulation, which can lead to serious consequences such as legal action, suspension of operating privileges, and potential liability for damages. Adherence to the AD ensures that all safety-related issues are addressed, which helps maintain the overall safety of the aviation system. In contrast, grounding the aircraft indefinitely or halting maintenance operations are potential consequences of non-compliance, but they do not capture the direct legal violation aspect as clearly. Similarly, while fines may be a consequence of violations, the essential point is the obligation to comply with the directive itself.