During a preflight inspection, what is an acceptable way to determine if inoperative equipment affects airworthiness?

Determining whether inoperative equipment affects the airworthiness of an aircraft primarily involves assessing its necessity as outlined in the aircraft's equipment list. This list specifies which items are required for the aircraft to be deemed airworthy. By checking if the inoperative equipment is included in this list, one can ascertain whether its malfunction compromises safety or compliance with regulations. If the item is not listed as required, its inoperability does not impact the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Other approaches, such as ensuring all equipment is operational or reviewing maintenance logs, do not directly address the specific requirement of confirming the necessity of the equipment for airworthiness. Consulting with other pilots may provide anecdotal information, but ultimately does not serve as a definitive method for establishing compliance with airworthiness regulations. Thus, referencing the aircraft equipment list is the most reliable method for this determination.