Airworthiness of Aircraft

Annex 8 - Airworthiness of Aircraft establishes the International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for the airworthiness of aircraft. It defines the minimum level of safety required for the design, certification, production, and continuing airworthiness of aircraft, forming the basis for mutual recognition of Certificates of Airworthiness between States.

To support the implementation of these SARPs, ICAO develops and maintains complementary guidance material, notably the Airworthiness Manual (Doc 9760), which provides detailed guidance to States on establishing and applying national airworthiness systems in a harmonized manner. This material assists States in translating the high-level provisions of Annex 8 into practical regulatory frameworks, certification processes, and oversight activities, while promoting consistency and mutual reliance across jurisdictions.

The Airworthiness Panel (AIRP) undertakes studies and develops technical and operational ICAO provisions related to airworthiness. Its work supports the development and maintenance of SARPs and guidance material, primarily within Annexes 6, 7, and 8, and promotes harmonization of regulatory approaches among States.

Reference Material (Airworthiness Requirements)

EASA (Europe) 
Certification Specifications (CS-23, CS-25, CS-27, CS-29, etc.)
United States (FAA)
14 CFR Parts 21 (Certification), 23, 25, 27, 29, 33 (Engines), 35 (Propellers)
Canada (Transport Canada)
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) – Part V (Airworthiness)
China (CAAC)
CCAR (China Civil Aviation Regulations), including CCAR-21 (Certification)
Brazil (ANAC)
RBAC – Airworthiness and Certification
United Kingdom (UK CAA)
Airworthiness Requirements (including retained EU CS)
Australia (CASA)
CASR – Part 21 and related airworthiness standards
India (DGCA India)
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) – Airworthiness
Japan (JCAB)
Civil Aviation Regulations and airworthiness standards
Russian Federation (Rosaviatsiya / FAVT)
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAP) – Airworthiness and certification
South Africa (SACAA)
Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) – Airworthiness (Part 21 and related Parts)
Nigeria (NCAA)
Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) – Airworthiness
 

ICAO Documents Related to Airworthiness

 Annex 8 — Airworthiness of Aircraft
Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft
Annex 7 — Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks
Doc 9760 — Airworthiness Manual
Doc 10142 — Manual on Registration and Deregistration of Aircraft
Circular 95 — Continuing Airworthiness of Aircraft in Service
State Letters and Electronic Bulletins
Integrated Safety Trend Analysis and Reporting System