Inspection Authorization (IA): What It Is and How to Get It
The Inspection Authorization is the highest maintenance credential issued by the FAA. It authorizes you to perform annual inspections, approve major repairs, approve major alterations, and return aircraft to service after such work. It's the mechanic equivalent of the ATP for pilots — a career-defining certification.
What Can an IA Do?
With an IA, you can:
- Perform annual inspections on aircraft (14 CFR §43.3)
- Approve major repairs for return to service
- Approve major alterations for return to service
- Sign off 337 forms (FAA Form 337 — Major Repair and Alteration)
- Supervise progressive inspections
Without an IA, even an experienced A&P mechanic cannot perform annual inspections or sign off major repairs/alterations.
IA Requirements (14 CFR §65.91)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| A&P Certificate | Must hold a currently effective A&P |
| Experience | Actively exercised A&P privileges for 3 years within the last 3 years |
| Fixed Base of Operations | Must maintain a fixed location for inspection work |
| Tools and Equipment | Must have the necessary tools/equipment for inspections |
| Knowledge Test | Must pass the IA knowledge test |
| Application | FAA Form 8610-2 submitted through local FSDO |
The IA Knowledge Test
The IA written test is 50 questions covering:
- Legal requirements for inspections (Part 43, Part 91)
- Maintenance records and documentation
- Airworthiness Directives compliance
- Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS)
- Supplemental Type Certificates (STC)
- FAA Form 337 preparation
- Inspection procedures and techniques
- Approved data requirements
- Major vs. minor repair/alteration determination
Study with ASA or Gleim IA test prep materials. The test is taken at a PSI testing center.
Maintaining Your IA
Unlike the A&P certificate (which doesn't expire), the IA must be renewed annually by March 31. To renew, you must meet at least one of the following:
| Renewal Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | Performed at least one annual inspection in previous 12 months |
| Option 2 | Performed inspections of repairs/alterations on 2+ aircraft |
| Option 3 | Completed an IA refresher course approved by the FAA |
| Option 4 | Performed other combination of maintenance activities acceptable to the FAA |
Most IA holders renew through a combination of inspection work and the annual IA refresher seminars hosted by the FAA.
Why Get Your IA?
Career Benefits:
IA Salary Premium
| Role | Without IA | With IA |
|---|---|---|
| General Aviation Mechanic | $55,000–$75,000 | $70,000–$95,000 |
| Corporate Mechanic | $70,000–$100,000 | $85,000–$120,000 |
| Independent Inspector | — | $90,000–$130,000+ |
| Quality Assurance | $80,000–$105,000 | $90,000–$125,000 |
The Path to IA
- Get your A&P certificate (first step for everything)
- Work actively for 3 years — building experience and demonstrating competence
- Establish a fixed base of operations — this can be a shop, hangar, or employer facility
- Acquire the necessary tools and equipment for inspection work
- Study for and pass the IA knowledge test
- Apply through your local FSDO with FAA Form 8610-2
- Receive your IA designation
Common IA Mistakes
- ❌ Signing off inspections without thorough review of compliance items (ADs, SBs)
- ❌ Failing to keep current on regulatory changes
- ❌ Not maintaining the annual renewal requirements
- ❌ Approving work without proper documentation
- ❌ Performing inspections on aircraft outside your competency area
The FAA holds IA holders to a higher standard. Certificate actions (suspensions, revocations) are more common for IAs who make errors, because the authority their certificate grants is so significant.
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