Aircraft buyer guide
Aircraft AD search: applicability is not compliance
Search official FAA directives for the aircraft and its installed equipment, then verify applicability and aircraft-level compliance evidence separately. A model-name hit alone proves neither.
By Aerovidence · Reviewed
Gather configuration before searching
FAA guidance explains that AD applicability may depend on engines, propellers, appliances, modifications and parts as well as the aircraft model. Read the actual applicability and required-action text, including relevant identifiers and conditions.
- Record the airframe model and serial number.
- Collect installed engine and propeller model and serial details.
- Ask the mechanic which appliance and part identities are needed.
- Preserve unknown equipment identities as unknown.
Official references: FAA AD applicability and compliance. Sources checked .
Use three separate columns
A useful review keeps the directive, its conditions and the supporting aircraft documents side by side.
| Review step | Evidence needed |
|---|---|
| Possible relevance | Official directive and the search terms used. |
| Applicability | Actual configuration and the directive’s precise conditions. |
| Compliance | Aircraft records supporting the method, date, time and any repeat requirement. |
Read the directive chain
Check the official status and any superseding directive before counting obligations. A superseded document can explain history, but it should not be treated as an additional independent current requirement. Have the maintenance reviewer resolve references and recurring actions for the specific aircraft.
What Aerovidence AD references mean
A source publication or literal model-label match is a research lead. It is not a complete current applicability list, an installed-configuration determination or a compliance certificate. If installed parts are unknown, the answer remains incomplete. Use the official directive and the aircraft’s own records for the next review step.
Check the public records first
How Aerovidence handles evidence · Sources and coverage limits
Continue your research
Aircraft logbook review: questions for a prebuy
Prepare an aircraft logbook review with an independent mechanic: check identities, dates, continuity, repairs, component changes and missing evidence.
Aircraft prebuy records checklist
Organize aircraft identity, public events, maintenance logs, AD evidence and title questions before a pre-purchase inspection.
How to read an aircraft public-record report
Read registration, identity, event, SDR and AD sections with their source dates and limits, then turn unresolved findings into prebuy questions.