What should be done if an aircraft is found to be unairworthy?

When an aircraft is found to be unairworthy, the appropriate action is to ground the aircraft until repairs are made. This is critical for ensuring the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, and crew. An unairworthy condition indicates that the aircraft does not comply with the required standards for safe operation, which could be due to mechanical issues, structural failures, or non-compliance with maintenance regulations.

Grounding the aircraft effectively prevents any further risk associated with flying it until the identified issues are properly addressed and corrected. This action aligns with aviation regulations and best practices, emphasizing the responsibility of operators and pilots to prioritize safety above all else. By grounding the aircraft, any potential hazards can be investigated and repaired before the aircraft is returned to service, ensuring that it is fully compliant with airworthiness standards.

While notifying the FAA, documenting the issue, and scheduling repairs are important steps in the process, the first and foremost action must be to ground the aircraft. This ensures that immediate risks are mitigated and compliance with safety protocols is maintained, ultimately safeguarding lives.