Required Documents: On the Pilot and in the Aircraft

Two separate sets of documents matter before every flight. The first set is what the pilot must carry: a valid pilot certificate, an appropriate medical certificate when one is required, and a government-issued photo identification. These must be presented for inspection on request. The second set is what the aircraft must carry, remembered with the mnemonic ARROW: the Airworthiness certificate, the Registration certificate, the Radio station license (only for international operations), the Operating limitations (the approved flight manual and placards), and the Weight and balance data. The airworthiness and registration certificates are the core items that make operating the aircraft legal, and the airworthiness certificate must be displayed where passengers or crew can see it. Keeping both sets current and accessible is a simple habit that prevents a lot of trouble.