What is true about conflicts between service bulletins and airworthiness directives during inspections?

Airworthiness directives (ADs) are legally enforceable regulations issued by the FAA to address safety issues and ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. When an AD is issued, it typically outlines specific actions that must be completed within a certain timeframe to mitigate a safety risk. Therefore, during inspections, it is essential to follow the guidance of an AD, as it is a mandatory directive designed to safeguard both the aircraft and its occupants.

Service bulletins (SBs), on the other hand, are generally issued by manufacturers to provide recommendations for maintenance or modifications that could enhance safety, reliability, or performance, but they are not always mandatory. While they can be valuable documents that help in keeping an aircraft in optimal condition, they do not carry the same legal weight as airworthiness directives.

Hence, in the event of a conflict between a service bulletin and an airworthiness directive, the directive must be followed, ensuring compliance with the FAA’s regulations and maintaining the aircraft’s airworthiness.