What term refers to the processes ensuring that an aircraft or its parts comply with airworthiness requirements?

The term "Continuing Airworthiness" refers to the processes and activities that ensure an aircraft or its parts continue to meet airworthiness requirements throughout their operational life. This involves ongoing maintenance, inspections, and evaluations to confirm that the aircraft remains safe and compliant with regulatory standards after it has been certified for initial flight.

Ensuring continuing airworthiness is essential because it addresses any wear and tear, technical modifications, or changes in regulations that could impact the safety and performance of the aircraft over time. This concept encompasses a broad range of activities, including routine maintenance, repairs, modifications, and upholding service bulletins issued by manufacturers.

In contrast, the other terms focus on different aspects of aircraft certification and compliance. "Conformity" typically refers to verifying that an aircraft or part matches its approved design data but does not cover ongoing compliance. "Type Certification" is the process that certifies an aircraft design as meeting specific regulatory standards before it enters service, while "Supplemental Type Certificates" are for changes or modifications to existing type-certified aircraft, allowing for variations in design but not directly ensuring ongoing airworthiness. Each of these plays a critical role in aviation safety but does not encompass the complete scope of ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy throughout their operational lifespan.