Which of the following best describes the term unairworthy?

• A. Cosmetic scratch
• B. Minor defect
• C. Any defect that renders the aircraft unairworthy
• D. Routine check

Answer: (C)

Airworthiness is about the aircraft being in a condition that ensures safe operation and meets regulatory standards. Unairworthy describes a situation where a defect or deficiency prevents that safe, compliant condition. The best description is that it covers any defect that renders the aircraft unairworthy, because the key idea is safety and compliance: if a defect compromises flight safety or legal requirements, the airplane is not considered airworthy. Cosmetic scratches or routine checks aren’t typically enough to make an aircraft unair-worthy on their own; a defect must have or create a safety or regulatory impact to qualify. A minor defect can still be unairworthy if it affects safety, but the defining point is whether the defect renders the aircraft unfit for safe operation.