Inspection Authorization (IA)
Credential: Inspection Authorization (IA)
Credentialing Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Renewal Period: 2 years
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Inspection Authorization (IA) permits airframe and powerplant mechanics to perform greater variety of maintenance functions and alterations than any other single entity. The FAA initiated the issuance of the IA more than 40 years and since have allowed qualified mechanics the privilege of performing certain inspections that have served well in the maintenance of the U.S. Civil Fleet. Candidates must meet prerequisite and experience requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Inspection Authorization (IA)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: Hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating
- Experience: 2 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 2 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: (866) 835-5322
Contact Page
Credential Pre-requisite REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating, each of which is currently effective and has been in effect for a total of at least three years.
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must have been actively engaged, for at least the two-year period before the date of application, in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained in accordance to 14 CFR 65.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Inspection Authorization (IA) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidate must have a fixed base of operations at which the candidate may be located in person or by telephone during a normal working week but it need not be the place where the candidate will exercise inspection authority.
- Candidate must have the equipment, facilities, and inspection data necessary to properly inspect airframes, powerplants, propellers, or any related part or appliance.
- Candidate must be at least 18 years of age.
- Candidate must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Written Exam
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Major alterations
- Airframe major alterations
- Powerplant major alterations
- Propeller major alterations
- Appliance major alterations
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Major repairs
- Airframe major repairs
- Powerplant major repairs
- Propeller major repairs
- Preventive maintenance
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Inspection Authorization (IA) examination:
- Best Sources
- General References
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Inspection Authorization (IA) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing process, visit the agency website.
-
Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
PSI
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website:
RECERTIFICATION
Inspection Authorization (IA)
Renewal Period: 2 years
Additional considerations for the Inspection Authorization (IA) include:
- Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers, describes the privileges of mechanics holding an inspection authorization. 14 CFR part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration, describes maintenance rules and standards of performance.