14 CFR § 39.3 - Definition of airworthiness directives.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t14/s39.3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "14 CFR § 39.3 - Definition of airworthiness directives."
title_number: 14
title_name: "Aeronautics and Space"
section_number: "39.3"
section_name: "Definition of airworthiness directives."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "AIRCRAFT"
part_number: "39"
part_name: "AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701."
regulatory_source: "Docket No. FAA-2000-8460, 67 FR 48003, July 22, 2002, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "39"
---


# 39.3 Definition of airworthiness directives.

FAA's airworthiness directives are legally enforceable rules that apply to the following products: aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances.