Why are Airworthiness Directives (ADs) legally binding?

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are legally binding because they are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to correct unsafe conditions that may exist in an aircraft, engine, propeller, or component. The FAA has the legal authority to regulate aviation safety under Title 49 of the United States Code. When the FAA identifies an unsafe condition that could lead to an accident, it issues an AD to mandate inspections, repairs, modifications, or other actions to address the problem. These ADs are published in the Federal Register, making them legally enforceable regulations. Compliance with ADs is mandatory for all aircraft owners and operators, and failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines and suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates. The purpose of ADs is to ensure that aircraft are maintained in a safe condition and to prevent accidents caused by known defects.