What is the primary purpose of FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) and what authority does it grant the holder?

What is the primary purpose of FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) and what authority does it grant the holder?

• A. To authorize a certified mechanic to perform annual inspections, approve and sign off airworthiness after inspections, and sign off certain major repairs and alterations under FAA rules.
• B. To substitute for FAA inspectors in field inspections of all aircraft.
• C. To certify aircraft for export to foreign nations.
• D. To issue pilot certificates.

Answer: (A)

The important idea is that the Inspection Authorization (IA) designation is about giving a trusted, FAA-approved mechanic the authority to verify and certify airworthiness between FAA inspections. The holder can perform annual inspections and, after completing them, sign off that the aircraft is airworthy again under the rules that apply to inspection and airworthiness (Part 43). They also have the authority to sign off certain major repairs and alterations that are within the scope of the work they oversee, ensuring those changes are properly documented and meet the required standards. This program extends FAA oversight through skilled mechanics, rather than replacing FAA field inspectors for all inspections. It does not involve certifying exports or issuing pilot certificates.

The important idea is that the Inspection Authorization (IA) designation is about giving a trusted, FAA-approved mechanic the authority to verify and certify airworthiness between FAA inspections. The holder can perform annual inspections and, after completing them, sign off that the aircraft is airworthy again under the rules that apply to inspection and airworthiness (Part 43). They also have the authority to sign off certain major repairs and alterations that are within the scope of the work they oversee, ensuring those changes are properly documented and meet the required standards. This program extends FAA oversight through skilled mechanics, rather than replacing FAA field inspectors for all inspections. It does not involve certifying exports or issuing pilot certificates.