Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic and Inspection Authorization (IA) Certification
Last reviewed · 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an A&P mechanic?
Two paths: (1) Attend an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS — typically 18-24 months); (2) Document 30 months of practical experience (18 months single rating) under a properly certificated mechanic, get experience verified by an FAA representative on Form 8610-2, then take three FAA written exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant) and an oral and practical exam administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner.
Does an A&P certificate expire?
No. The A&P certificate itself does not expire. However, exercising the privileges requires recent work (at least 6 months in the preceding 24 months) or operating under supervision of a current A&P. The certificate cannot be revoked except for cause through FAA enforcement action.
What can an IA do that an A&P cannot?
An A&P can perform maintenance and preventive maintenance and return aircraft to service for those tasks. An IA can additionally: perform 100-hour and annual inspections, approve major repairs and major alterations on Form 337, and perform progressive inspection rotations. The IA is the typical authority required for routine annual inspection signoffs on most light aircraft.
How often must IA be renewed?
Every 24 calendar months under Section 65.92. Renewal requires either documented activity (annual inspections, major repair/alteration approvals, progressive cycles) plus attendance at an FAA-approved IA seminar, or alternative activity quotas, or passing an oral renewal test. Most IAs use the activity-plus-seminar path.
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