What does the FAA use to notify aircraft owners of unsafe conditions and prescribe conditions for operation?

The FAA uses Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to notify aircraft owners of unsafe conditions and to prescribe specific actions for ensuring safe operation. An AD is a regulatory notice that addresses potential safety issues that could arise from design flaws, manufacturing defects, or maintenance practices. It requires aircraft owners and operators to take appropriate corrective measures, which may include inspections, modifications, or even grounding the aircraft until necessary repairs are made.

The issuance of an Airworthiness Directive is a critical part of the FAA's responsibility to promote aviation safety, as it helps ensure that issues are addressed promptly across affected aircraft, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew. By providing specific instructions on how to mitigate these unsafe conditions, ADs play a crucial role in maintaining the overall safety of the aviation fleet.