An Airworthiness Review Certificate is a document that confirms an aircraft has been inspected and is safe to fly
An Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) is issued by an authorized inspector after examining an aircraft's condition, maintenance records, and overall airworthiness. It is not a one-time document — it expires and must be renewed periodically, typically every two years for most general aviation aircraft, though some aircraft operate on different cycles depending on their type and how they are used.
The certificate serves as proof that the aircraft meets the safety standards required by aviation authorities. Without a valid ARC, you cannot legally operate the aircraft. It is similar to a vehicle inspection sticker on a car, except the inspection is more thorough and the certificate lasts longer.
The ARC is required by aviation authorities in most countries that follow international standards. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires general aviation aircraft to have a current ARC. The specific rules vary by aircraft type — some experimental or light-sport aircraft may have different renewal intervals or inspection requirements.
Key Takeaways
- An Airworthiness Review Certificate confirms an aircraft is safe to fly and must be renewed every two years for most general aviation aircraft.
- The certificate is issued by an authorized inspector after reviewing maintenance records, inspecting the aircraft, and verifying it meets safety standards.
- Operating an aircraft without a valid ARC is illegal and can result in fines and grounding of the aircraft.
- The renewal process requires you to gather maintenance logs, schedule an inspection appointment, and pay an inspection fee that varies by inspector and aircraft type.
Who Can Issue an Airworthiness Review Certificate
Only certain inspectors are authorized to issue an ARC. In the United States, these include Authorized Airworthiness Inspectors (AAIs), Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs), and Inspection Authorization (IA) mechanics. Each has specific qualifications and is approved by the FAA to conduct these inspections.
You cannot obtain an ARC from just any mechanic. The inspector must hold the proper authorization for your aircraft type. Before scheduling an inspection, confirm that the inspector you contact holds the correct credentials for your specific aircraft.
What Happens During an Airworthiness Review
The inspection process involves examining the aircraft's physical condition, reviewing all maintenance and repair records, and checking that required inspections have been completed on time. The inspector will look at the engine, airframe, avionics, safety equipment, and other systems to may support nothing is unsafe or out of compliance.
You will need to provide complete maintenance logs and records of any repairs or modifications made to the aircraft. If records are missing or incomplete, the inspection may be delayed while you locate them or have work documented retroactively. The inspector may also conduct a test flight or ground run to verify systems are functioning.
If the inspector finds defects or maintenance issues, they will document them. Minor issues may need to be corrected before the certificate is issued. Major defects could result in the aircraft being grounded until repairs are completed and re-inspected.
Renewal Timeline and Expiration
Most general aviation aircraft require an ARC renewal every 24 months from the date of issue. Some aircraft types, such as those used for commercial operations or certain experimental aircraft, may have different intervals — some renew annually, others every three years. Check your aircraft's current certificate or contact your aviation authority to confirm your specific renewal cycle.
You should begin the renewal process at least one to two months before your certificate expires. Scheduling an inspection appointment can take time, and if defects are found during the inspection, you may need additional time for repairs. Operating with an expired ARC is illegal and grounds for when ready grounding.
Costs and Fees
The cost of an Airworthiness Review Certificate inspection varies depending on the inspector, the aircraft type, and the complexity of the inspection. Fees typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, though this varies significantly by region and aircraft. Some inspectors charge a flat rate; others charge hourly rates that can extend the total cost if the inspection is lengthy or if defects are found.
You may also incur costs for repairs if defects are discovered during the inspection. Budget for potential maintenance work in addition to the inspection fee itself. Some aircraft owners schedule their ARC renewal alongside other required maintenance to reduce overall downtime and scheduling hassles.
Documents You Will Need
Before scheduling an inspection, gather the following documents: the aircraft's maintenance logs and service records, the current registration certificate, the aircraft's airworthiness certificate (the original document proving the aircraft was certified as airworthy when built or last overhauled), and records of any modifications or repairs made since the last ARC was issued.
You will also need proof of any required inspections that have been completed, such as annual inspections, 100-hour inspections, or manufacturer-recommended service bulletins. If your aircraft has an engine, propeller, or other components with time-between-overhaul (TBO) limits, bring documentation showing those components are within their service life.
What Happens If Your Certificate Expires
If your ARC expires, your aircraft becomes unairworthy and cannot legally be flown. You cannot renew the certificate retroactively — you must have a valid certificate before operating. If you fly with an expired certificate, you face potential fines from aviation authorities and your aircraft may be impounded.
If your certificate has expired, you must contact an authorized inspector and schedule a new inspection as soon as possible. The inspection process is the same as a renewal, and you will need to provide all maintenance records. Once the inspection is complete and any defects are corrected, a new certificate will be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my aircraft if my Airworthiness Review Certificate is about to expire?
Yes, you can fly until the certificate actually expires on the date shown on the document. However, you should schedule your renewal inspection well in advance — at least one to two months before expiration — to avoid any gaps in coverage if the inspection takes longer than expected or if repairs are needed.
What if I find maintenance issues during my own pre-flight checks before the inspection?
Report them to the inspector when you schedule the inspection. The inspector will examine them as part of the review process. It is better to disclose known issues upfront than to have the inspector discover them during the inspection, as this shows you are maintaining the aircraft responsibly.
Do I need an Airworthiness Review Certificate if my aircraft is not currently flying?
If the aircraft is registered and you intend to fly it, you need a valid ARC. If the aircraft is permanently grounded or deregistered, you may not need one. Check with your aviation authority about the rules for inactive aircraft in your region.
Can a different inspector renew my certificate each time, or does it have to be the same person?
You can use a different authorized inspector each time you renew. There is no requirement to use the same inspector. However, continuity with one inspector can be helpful because they become familiar with your aircraft's history and maintenance patterns.
What if the inspector finds the aircraft is not airworthy?
The inspector will document the defects and will not issue the certificate until repairs are made. You must have the work completed by a may have access to mechanic, and the inspector may need to re-examine the aircraft after repairs are done before issuing the certificate. This can extend the timeline significantly.