Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic and Inspection Authorization (IA) Certification

Last reviewed June 16, 2026 · By Chad Griffith

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification under 14 CFR Part 65 authorizes the holder to perform maintenance and preventive maintenance on certified aircraft. The Inspection Authorization (IA) is an additional rating that authorizes A&P mechanics to perform 100-hour and annual inspections, approve major repairs and major alterations, and return aircraft to service after major work. A&P certificates do not expire but require currency for return-to-service privileges. IAs must be renewed every 24 calendar months.

A&P Eligibility and Examinations

Per 14 CFR 65.71, A&P eligibility requires: at least 18 years old, ability to read/speak/write/understand English, and either 18 months of practical experience (single rating) or 30 months total (both ratings) verified by an authorized FAA representative, OR graduation from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS). Applicants must pass three FAA written tests: General, Airframe, Powerplant. Following written exams, applicants take an oral and practical exam (OPE) administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner.

A&P Privileges and Currency

An A&P certificate authorizes the holder to perform maintenance and preventive maintenance and to return aircraft to service for that work, but only on aircraft for which the holder has been performing recent work. Per 14 CFR 65.83, an A&P must have served as a mechanic exercising privileges of the certificate at least 6 months in the preceding 24 months OR work under direct supervision of a properly certificated mechanic until experience requirements are met. Maintenance work must be documented per 91.417 and 43.9.

Inspection Authorization (IA)

The IA rating authorizes additional privileges: performing 100-hour inspections (already authorized under standard A&P), performing annual inspections, approving major repairs and major alterations on Form 337, performing progressive inspection rotations. Per 14 CFR 65.91, IA eligibility requires: an A&P certificate held for at least 3 years, exercise of A&P privileges for at least 24 of those 36 months, presence of facilities and equipment for the IA's work area, and passing the IA written test.

IA Renewal: 24-Month Cycle

Per 14 CFR 65.92, IA is valid until March 31 of each odd-numbered year, then renewed every 24 calendar months by meeting one of the renewal options: Activity: performed at least one annual inspection, completed one progressive inspection cycle, completed two major repair/alteration approvals, AND attended an FAA-approved IA seminar; OR Activity alternative: performed at least 4 annual inspections OR 8 major repair/alterations during the 24-month period; OR Examination: pass an oral test administered by an FAA inspector.

Maintenance Records an A&P / IA Must Create

An A&P mechanic’s signature is a regulatory act: every maintenance record entry must meet the performance and recording standards of 14 CFR 43.13, and an Inspection Authorization (IA) holder who signs off an annual inspection under 14 CFR 91.409 certifies the aircraft airworthy. IA holders must also document their own activity to renew on the 24-month cycle. Incomplete or improperly worded record entries are a frequent source of compliance exposure even when the work itself was sound.

FileFlo organizes and tracks the maintenance-record trail and IA currency documentation; it does not perform or approve maintenance. Run a free FAA readiness check →

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