Who has the authority to issue an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?

The authority to issue an Airworthiness Directive (AD) lies with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). An AD is a legally enforceable regulation that is issued by the FAA to address safety issues and ensure the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft. When evidence emerges about a safety concern that affects a specific aircraft model or type, the FAA takes the initiative to develop and publish an AD, which requires operators to comply with specified actions.

In contrast, while the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) plays a vital role in investigating aviation accidents and recommending measures to improve safety, it does not have the power to issue ADs. Aircraft manufacturers can issue service bulletins or advisories about potential issues, but these do not have the same legal enforcement as ADs. Similarly, the Department of Transportation oversees diverse aspects of transportation safety, but it is the FAA that holds the specific authority to mandate compliance through Airworthiness Directives.