Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Inspection Authorization (IA)

Credential: Inspection Authorization (IA)  GI Bill resource
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:    medium

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

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC  20591

Phone: (866) 835-5322

Contact Page

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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.

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.

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

  • Major alterations
    • Airframe major alterations
    • Powerplant major alterations
    • Propeller major alterations
    • Appliance major alterations
  • 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:

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

  • 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.

RECERTIFICATION

Inspection Authorization (IA)

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Inspection Authorization (IA) credential has the following recertification information:

The renewal of an inspection authorization occurs every two years. To be eligible for renewal, inspection authorization holders must present evidence during the month of March of each odd-numbered year, at the responsible Flight Standards Office, that he/she still meets the requirements of 14 CFR 65.91(c)(1) through (4). In addition, inspection authorization holders must show completion of one of the activities in 14 CFR 65.93(a)(1) through (5) by March 31st of the first year of the two-year inspection authorization period, and completion of one of the five activities during the second year of the two-year period:
  • Performed at least one annual inspection for each 90 days the authority was held;
  • Performed at least two major repairs or major alterations for each 90 days the authority was held;
  • Performed or supervised and approved at least one progressive inspection;
  • Attended and successfully completed a refresher course; or
  • Passed an oral test by an FAA inspector to determine current knowledge of applicable regulations and standards.
Additional information can be found in 14 CFR 65.93 - Inspection Authorization: Renewal.
  • Note: Marine Corps COOL will only pay recertification fees for the current year, no arrears will be paid. Voucher requests for recertification fees must be submitted with proof of the current status of the certification (for example, a screen shot of your credentialing agency dashboard or a copy of a current fee receipt).

Additional considerations for the Inspection Authorization (IA) include:

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

Click to go to the external ANAB web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

Click to go to the external ICAC web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

Click to go to the external ABSNC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

Click to go to the external IAS web site.

Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Aviation Inspectors
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Aviation Inspectors

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Aviation Inspectors

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Updated: January 29, 2021
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