Which must exist for IA to be valid?

Which must exist for IA to be valid?

• A. A fixed base of operations contactable during a normal working week.
• B. A current subscription to standards orders.
• C. A business location outside of the base.
• D. A fixed base of operation in a city with more than 1,000,000 population.

Answer: (A)

Having a fixed base of operation that can be reached during normal business hours is what makes an Inspection Authorization active and accountable. This requirement ensures there is a real, stable place where the IA conducts work, keeps records, and can be contacted by the FAA and other aviation parties. It anchors responsibilities to a specific location rather than a roaming or informal arrangement, which is essential for oversight, recordkeeping, and timely communication. A subscription to standards orders isn’t part of the eligibility as an IA, because having access to standards doesn’t establish a place of business or availability for oversight. The idea of a business location outside of the base or in a city with a large population isn’t a stated requirement either—the important factor is that there is a fixed base of operation that is contactable during normal working hours, wherever that base happens to be.

Having a fixed base of operation that can be reached during normal business hours is what makes an Inspection Authorization active and accountable. This requirement ensures there is a real, stable place where the IA conducts work, keeps records, and can be contacted by the FAA and other aviation parties. It anchors responsibilities to a specific location rather than a roaming or informal arrangement, which is essential for oversight, recordkeeping, and timely communication.

A subscription to standards orders isn’t part of the eligibility as an IA, because having access to standards doesn’t establish a place of business or availability for oversight. The idea of a business location outside of the base or in a city with a large population isn’t a stated requirement either—the important factor is that there is a fixed base of operation that is contactable during normal working hours, wherever that base happens to be.