What is the primary purpose of Airworthiness Directives?

The primary purpose of Airworthiness Directives is to correct an unsafe condition. These directives are issued by aviation authorities to inform aircraft owners and operators about safety issues that could potentially jeopardize the safety of flight operations. When a safety concern is identified—whether it's a design flaw, a manufacturing defect, or the discovery of a new hazard—Airworthiness Directives provide the necessary instructions to rectify the defect and ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.

Addressing unsafe conditions is critical to maintaining the safety of the aviation system, as aircraft must comply with the established safety standards throughout their operational life. These directives can mandate repairs, inspections, or modifications, thereby directly contributing to the prevention of accidents and enhancing overall aviation safety.