Inspection authorization (IA) explained: eligibility, test and renewal

An inspection authorization, usually called an IA, isn't a separate certificate. It's an authorization that a certificated mechanic with both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings can apply for (14 CFR 65.91(c)), and Part 43 lists it next to the mechanic certificate among the things that let a person approve work for return to service (14 CFR 43.7(b)). It adds the privileges an A&P alone doesn't have. This guide covers what an IA allows, who can get one, the test, and how to keep it current.

What an IA allows

An IA holder may (14 CFR 65.95(a)):

• Approve major repairs and alterations. Inspect an aircraft, part or appliance after a major repair or major alteration and approve it for return to service, as long as the work followed technical data approved by the FAA. Aircraft maintained under a Part 121 continuous airworthiness program are excluded.
• Perform annual inspections. An IA may perform an annual inspection, and perform or supervise a progressive inspection, following the performance rules in Part 43.

Those privileges matter because of how Part 91 works. Most aircraft can't be flown unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, they've had an annual inspection approved for return to service by someone Part 43 authorizes, or an inspection for the issue of an airworthiness certificate (14 CFR 91.409(a)). And an owner who wants a progressive inspection program must provide an IA holder, a certificated airframe repair station or the aircraft's manufacturer to supervise or conduct it (14 CFR 91.409(d)).

After an inspection, the person approving or disapproving the aircraft makes a record entry giving the kind of inspection and how far it went, the date, the aircraft's total time in service, and their signature and certificate details (14 CFR 43.11(a)). If the aircraft isn't airworthy, the owner or lessee gets a signed, dated list of the discrepancies (14 CFR 43.11(b)).

While you're using the IA, keep it available for the aircraft owner and for the mechanic who submitted the work, and show it when the FAA, the NTSB or a law enforcement officer asks (14 CFR 65.95(b)).

Who is eligible

To be eligible for an IA, an applicant must (14 CFR 65.91(c)):

1. Hold a mechanic certificate with both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings, each currently effective and in effect for a total of at least 3 years.
2. Have been actively engaged in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained under 14 CFR for at least the 2 years before applying.
3. Have a fixed base of operations where they can be reached in person or by telephone during a normal working week. It doesn't have to be where the inspections happen.
4. Have the equipment, facilities and inspection data needed to inspect airframes, powerplants, propellers and their parts and appliances properly.
5. Pass a written test.

The first two points mean an IA is a step for experienced mechanics, not new ones: you need both ratings for at least 3 years before you can even apply. You apply on the form and in the manner the FAA prescribes (14 CFR 65.91(a)), and anyone who meets the requirements is entitled to the authorization (14 CFR 65.91(b)).

The IA knowledge test

The written test checks your ability to inspect to safety standards when returning aircraft to service after major repairs and alterations, and after annual and progressive inspections under Part 43 (14 CFR 65.91(c)(5)). The FAA's testing matrix lists it as the Inspection Authorization test (IAR): 50 questions, 3 hours and a passing score of 70%, offered only at testing centers authorized to give it (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 9).

To sit the test you present FAA Form 8610-1, Mechanic's Application for Inspection Authorization, endorsed by an FAA inspector (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 9). If you fail, you must wait at least 90 days before applying to retest (14 CFR 65.91(c)(5)), then go back to the responsible FAA office for a newly endorsed Form 8610-1 and bring it to the testing center with your failed test report (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, p. 9). That 90-day wait is three times the 30 days that apply after failing a mechanic test (14 CFR 65.19), so it pays to be ready the first time.

How long an IA lasts

Every IA expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year, and it can only be used while you hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both ratings (14 CFR 65.92(a)). As of this writing, that means the next expiry date is March 31, 2027. An IA also stops being effective if it's surrendered, suspended or revoked, if you no longer have a fixed base of operation, or if you lose the equipment, facilities and inspection data it requires (14 CFR 65.92(b)).

If you move your fixed base, you may not use the IA until you've told the responsible Flight Standards office or International Field Office for the new area, in writing (14 CFR 65.95(c)).

Renewing an IA

Renewal is for a 2-year period. During March of each odd-numbered year, you show the responsible Flight Standards office that you still meet the first four eligibility requirements above (14 CFR 65.93(a)). You also need to complete one activity from this list by March 31 of the first year of the period, and another during the second year (14 CFR 65.93(a)):

• At least one annual inspection for each 90 days you held the authorization.
• At least two major repairs or major alterations for each 90 days you held it.
• At least one progressive inspection performed or supervised and approved, to FAA standards.
• A refresher course of at least 8 hours of instruction that the FAA finds acceptable.
• An oral test by an FAA inspector showing your knowledge of the regulations and standards is current.

Miss the first-year activity and you can't use the IA after March 31 of that first year until you pass an oral test with an FAA inspector; passing it counts as meeting the first-year requirement (14 CFR 65.93(c)). An IA that has been in effect for less than 90 days before its expiration date, or before March 31 of an even-numbered year, gets some relief from the activity requirement (14 CFR 65.93(b)). People who served outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations may be able to renew an expired IA under separate relief (14 CFR 65.93(d)) (14 CFR 61.40).

The FAA's IA guide

The FAA publishes an Inspection Authorization Information Guide (FAA-G-8082-19) for mechanics who hold an IA, covering annual and progressive inspections and the approval of major repairs and alterations (FAA-G-8082-19, preface), and links it from its mechanic testing page (FAA: Mechanic Testing). It's dated 2010, and the renewal rule has been amended since then (14 CFR 65.93), so read it alongside the current regulations rather than instead of them.

First things first

If you're still working toward your A&P, the IA is a goal for later. Start by learning what the A&P itself allows in our guide to A&P mechanic privileges and limitations, and the full path in how to become an aircraft mechanic. For the three written tests you take first, A&P Complete, our course for the General, Airframe and Powerplant tests ($49 one-time), has 40 lessons and 15 timed mock exams for each test in the official format. It doesn't cover the IA test.

Questions people ask

Who can get an inspection authorization?

A certificated mechanic with both the airframe and powerplant ratings, in effect for a total of at least 3 years, who has been actively maintaining aircraft for the 2 years before applying, has a fixed base of operations and the needed equipment, facilities and inspection data, and passes the IA written test.

What can an IA do that an A&P can't?

An IA may perform annual inspections, perform or supervise progressive inspections, and approve an aircraft or part for return to service after a major repair or major alteration done to technical data approved by the FAA.

How long is the IA test?

The FAA testing matrix lists the Inspection Authorization test (IAR) as 50 questions in 3 hours, with a passing score of 70%. It is offered only at testing centers authorized to give it.

When does an inspection authorization expire?

On March 31 of each odd-numbered year. To renew it for another 2 years, you show during March that you still meet the eligibility requirements (other than the written test) and that you completed one of the required activities in each year of the period.