Is a 30 year old plane safe?
A 30‐year‐old airplane can be safe when maintained, inspected, modified, and operated to current standards. Age is one variable among many; maintenance regime, regulatory oversight, component histories, and operator practices determine actual safety. Aircraft age is not a safety concern. However, older aircraft that haven’t been properly refurbished may cause inconveniences such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or plumbing issues in the lavatory. More important than an aircraft’s age is its maintenance history.Regulatory Requirements for Older Aircraft. The FAA issues strict rules to ensure that all aircraft meet the same safety standards, no matter how old. So even if your airplane has been flying for decades, you can be confident it’s still being held to high regulatory oversight.