What is true regarding Airworthiness Directives (ADs)?

Compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs) must indeed be recorded in maintenance records because ADs are legally enforceable regulations issued by aviation authorities to address safety concerns. When an AD is issued, it typically requires actions to correct unsafe conditions in an aircraft, engine, or other aircraft component. Documenting compliance in maintenance records provides a trail of actions taken to ensure that the aircraft meets safety standards, which is critical for accountability and the ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft.

Proper documentation helps ensure that operators and maintenance personnel are aware of the compliance status of ADs, which may be pertinent during inspections or audits. This also supports the aircraft's airworthiness and can impact its operational status or resale value.

The other options suggest misconceptions about the nature of ADs. Compliance is not optional—it's mandatory per the regulations governing aviation safety. ADs are not merely recommendations but are binding directives that must be followed. Additionally, ADs do not have an age limit based on the aircraft; they can apply to both older and newer aircraft as long as the identified unsafe condition exists.