Which of the following is true about airworthiness directives?

• A. They authorize new air routes.
• B. They determine pilot licensing requirements.
• C. They address identified unsafe conditions and specify corrective actions.
• D. They set minimum rest periods for crew.

Answer: (C)

Airworthiness directives are mandatory safety actions issued by the aviation regulator when an unsafe condition is found in an aircraft, engine, or component. They specifically identify the unsafe condition and lay out the required corrective actions to restore or maintain airworthiness. This can include mandatory inspections, part replacements, design changes, or operational limitations, all with defined compliance timelines. Noncompliance is illegal and can ground aircraft until the AD is satisfied. They are not used to authorize new air routes, determine pilot licensing requirements, or set crew rest rules, which are handled by different parts of aviation regulation. So the true statement is that airworthiness directives address identified unsafe conditions and specify corrective actions.