We'll start on familiar ground, with the mnemonic AROW. The letters stand for the documents that must be carried aboard an airplane. They are an airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, operating limitations, and weight and balance information.

To be legally airworthy in 2026, all aircraft must carry a specific set of documents often remembered by the acronym A.R.O.W. First is the Airworthiness Certificate (A), which is issued by the FAA (or equivalent national body) and proves the aircraft is safe to fly; it remains valid as long as the plane is maintained per regulations. Second is the Registration Certificate (R), which functions like a car’s title, linking the owner to the tail number; in 2026, these must be renewed every seven years in the U.S. Third is the Operating Limitations (O), which are found in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or via placards on the instrument panel. Fourth is the Weight and Balance (W) data, which provides the specific empty weight and center-of-gravity limits for that individual airframe. If the flight is international, a fifth document—a Radio Station License—is also required, but for domestic hops, the A.R.O.W. quartet is the mandatory minimum for any ramp inspection.