FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsEasy
Which inspection privilege is granted to a mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA) that is not available to a mechanic who holds only an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate?
- APerforming a 100-hour inspection
- BApproving minor alterations for return to service
- CPerforming an annual inspection
- DPerforming preventive maintenance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Performing an annual inspection
Under 14 CFR 91.409 and 65.91, annual inspections may be performed only by a certificated repair station, the manufacturer, or a mechanic holding an IA. An A&P mechanic without IA may perform 100-hour inspections, preventive maintenance, and minor alterations, but not annual inspections.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Any A&P mechanic may perform 100-hour inspections.
- B. A&P mechanics can approve minor alterations without needing IA.
- D. Preventive maintenance may be performed by any A&P mechanic.
Inspection Authorization (IA)
An additional certification for A&P mechanics that authorizes annual inspections and approval of major repairs/alterations.
- Requires 3 years of active A&P experience to qualify
- Grants privilege to perform annual and progressive inspections
- Must be renewed every 2 years by activity or retesting
Memory trick: 'IA = Inspects Annually' — the extra rating for annual sign-offs.