The ARROW checklist is used by pilots to determine if all of the aircraft documents needed for flying are in order. The ARROW checklist is only used to verify all of the aircraft documents are in order, additional documents are required to be in the pilot’s possession in order to fly.

Airworthiness Certificate

An airworthiness certificate is FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, or FAA FORM 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate. There are different types of certificated aircraft that fall under a Standard Certificate. Those are normal, utility, aerobatic, commuter, transport, and manned free ballon. The Airworthiness Certificate proves that the aircraft meets the approved type design and that it is in a condition for safe operation and maintenance. It is the pilot’s responsibility to verify the presence of an Airworthiness Certificate onboard an aircraft on order for the aircraft to be considered airworthy. An airworthiness certificate never expires as long as the aircraft remains registered in the United States, undergoes an annual inspection every 12 calendar months, and all maintenance is done in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91.

Registration Certificate

A registration certificate is FAA Form 8050-3, Certificate of Registration, which validates the aircraft’s registration with the FAA. The registration certificate proves that the aircraft meets certain eligibility requirements and must be carried onboard an aircraft in order to be considered airworthy. Aircraft registration expires seven years after the last day of the month it was issued.

Radio Station License

A radio station license is FCC Form 605, and is required for flights operating internationally outside of the continental United States.

Operating Limitations

The operating limitations are typically contained in an FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and/or limitations attached to FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate. Operating limits are also listed via placards such as a compass deviation card, fuel capacity, v speeds, etc. AFM’s are required in aircraft built and flown after March 1, 1979. There are also Pilot Information Manuals (PIM), which are documents developed by the airplane manufacturer that contain general information about the make and model of an airplane. A PIM is not FAA approved and is not kept current. It cannot be substituted for an AFM or POH.

Weight & Balance

Weight and balance data is typically provided by the aircraft manufacturer, supplemented by any maintenance and modification records. Weight and balance data provides the location of the center of gravity for an aircraft and allows for calculations to ensure that the aircraft is operated within the center of gravity limits. Additionally, various weights can be found within the weight and balance data. Those weights may include the standard empty weight, the basic empty weight, the licensed empty weight, the gross landing weight, the ramp weight, zero fuel weight, minimum and maximum takeoff weights, maximum landing weight, and the useful load. Aircraft operated outside of weight and balance limits are dangerous and impose serious safety threats.

Ensuring an aircraft is airworthy is very important as a pilot. The ARROW checklist serves as a useful memory aid in ensuring all legal document requirements are met for the safe operation of an aircraft.

Commit the ARROW checklist to memory. It will prove useful to you whether you simply fly recreationally on occasion, or have a career in aviation.

By Engine Sales Representative, Joshua Denton