On Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:35:21 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Mar 30, 12:34 pm, Dan wrote:
Help!

I'm looking for the reference that IAs use to determine if an airplane
is airworthy despite missing a cowling screw, having wing tip cracks,
or a missing piece of carpeting.

And no, it's not the a/c maintenance manual.

I've searched the FAA site, Google, GPO, etc.

Apparently I'm having a brain cramp and can't think of the reference
or good keywords to use to locate.

Thanks,

Dan Mc

Being a Canadian and finding the FARs somewhat different, I often
find the need to look around. Do these help?

See page 9 of this one:
http://www.faa.gov/education_researc...g-8082-11a.pdf

Like Canada, the FAA doesn't seem to have a list of specific
items that can be missing or inop. There is provision for MELs,
specific to an operator, that can itemize certain things that are
permitted to be defective. Each MEL is approved separately and could
vary considerably depending on the inspector.

In the absense of a MEL aren't the specific items are either
enumerated in the KOEL, equipment list, type certificate, or the part
under which the flight is conducted (I.E. 91 day VFR)?

I think the OP might be looking for something like AC 33.4-1 or part
43.