If an aircraft does not comply with airworthiness standards but is safe to fly, what authorization is required?

• A. Standard operating permit
• B. Temporary flight permit
• C. Specific purpose flight permit
• D. Experimental flight permit

Answer: (C)

In the context of aircraft that do not meet airworthiness standards but are considered safe to fly, the appropriate authorization necessary is a specific purpose flight permit. This permit is designed to allow flights under certain conditions, acknowledging that the aircraft may deviate from standard airworthiness criteria yet still poses no undue risk during its operation.

The specific purpose flight permit enables operators to conduct flights that are essential for maintenance, experimental testing, or to move the aircraft to a location where airworthiness repairs can be made, among other specific uses. This authorization provides a level of oversight to ensure that the aircraft's operation remains within a defined and safe scope.

In contrast, other options like a temporary flight permit are generally intended for aircraft that meet minimum standards on a temporary basis, while an experimental flight permit is designated for aircraft used for testing new designs or technologies. A standard operating permit is typically not applicable in this scenario because it is meant for aircraft that fully comply with airworthiness standards.