What is the first step in issuing an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?

• A. A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is published in the Federal Register.
• B. A final rule is published in the Federal Register.
• C. A service bulletin is issued by the manufacturer.
• D. A determination is made by the operator.

Answer: (A)

The first step in issuing an Airworthiness Directive is publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register. This initiates the rulemaking, inviting public comment from manufacturers, operators, and other stakeholders before any final rule is issued. After considering these comments, the FAA then publishes a final rule in the Federal Register that establishes the enforceable requirements and compliance times. A service bulletin is guidance from the manufacturer about how to address an issue, but it does not by itself create an enforceable directive. An operator does not initiate an AD; the FAA conducts the rulemaking process starting with the NPRM.