September/October 2023 - 26
AIRCRAF T INSPECTION
BThe Basics
T
ehind Getting an IA
An inspection authorization (IA) lets mechanics
broaden their horizons and advance their careers.
by Walker Jaroch
ypically, having an IA will lead
to an increase in pay. But
Colby Barron, Aviation Safety
Inspector, Safety Standards,
Aircraft Maintenance Division,
Airmen Section, FAA, said that's not
the only benefit.
" It broadens your scope of experience
and scope of ability. It just gives a whole
different perspective, particularly in the
general aviation realm. Being able sign off
on those major repairs and alterations and
the annual inspections, that's a big feather
in most mechanics' cap, " he continued.
Per the FAA, IA holders may inspect
and approve for return to service any aircraft
or related part or appliance after a
major repair or major alteration, except
aircraft maintained in accordance with
a continuous airworthiness program
under Part 121. They also perform annual
inspections and supervise progressive
inspections.
" Probably the most common thing that
IAs do is annual inspections, " said Barron.
" That's about it, above and beyond what
an AMP can do - the major repairs and
alterations and the annuals. In the GA or
general aviation world, that's the whole
meat of being an IA. "
How To Get an IA
Potential IA applicants must hold an effective
mechanic certificate with both an
airframe rating and a powerplant rating
and have had them for at least 36 months.
" It can be spread out over however long,
but 36 months as a mechanic. But for the 24
months immediately preceding when you
apply to be an IA, you have to be actively
engaged on maintaining aircraft using
the privileges of your A&P, " added Barron.
For mechanics who qualify, the next step
is to contact their local Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO) to set up an appointment
with an Aviation Safety Inspector.
Different offices may differ in how they
handle the interview, said Barron, adding
some may do a prescreen phone interview.
When the mechanic is found to be eligible
for the IA, they complete FAA Form
8610-1. That form, once signed by an
aviation safety inspector, authorizes the
mechanic to take " the written test, " which
takes three hours.
" It's a computerized, 50-question, multiple
choice test, open book. The testing
center provides all the reference material
for the test, " explained Barron.
The Test
Mechanics have 30 days after Form 8610-1
is signed to complete the test.
" If that 30 days expires, then they need
to come back and do it all over again.
Because of that actively engaged, during
those 24 months, we want to make sure
there's not a gap in that, " said Barron.
If a mechanic fails the test, they will
have to wait 90 days then repeat the process.
If they pass the written test, they
bring the test results back to the FSDO
who will issue them an IA card on the spot.
http://www.pentagon2000.com
September/October 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2023
EDITOR’S TAKEOFF
Industry Inspection
New Hangar Build Best Practices
How To Repair and Prevent Corrosion
How and Why to Adopt an SMS
The Basics Behind Getting an I
The Borescope Market in 2023
FOR THE RECORD
ARSA INSIGHT
New Bump Cap Designs Offer More Flexibility, Fit More Heads
Advertiser’s Index
September/October 2023 - 1
September/October 2023 - 2
September/October 2023 - 3
September/October 2023 - EDITOR’S TAKEOFF
September/October 2023 - 5
September/October 2023 - Industry Inspection
September/October 2023 - 7
September/October 2023 - 8
September/October 2023 - 9
September/October 2023 - New Hangar Build Best Practices
September/October 2023 - 11
September/October 2023 - 12
September/October 2023 - 13
September/October 2023 - 14
September/October 2023 - 15
September/October 2023 - 16
September/October 2023 - 17
September/October 2023 - How To Repair and Prevent Corrosion
September/October 2023 - 19
September/October 2023 - How and Why to Adopt an SMS
September/October 2023 - 21
September/October 2023 - 22
September/October 2023 - 23
September/October 2023 - 24
September/October 2023 - 25
September/October 2023 - The Basics Behind Getting an I
September/October 2023 - 27
September/October 2023 - The Borescope Market in 2023
September/October 2023 - 29
September/October 2023 - 30
September/October 2023 - 31
September/October 2023 - 32
September/October 2023 - FOR THE RECORD
September/October 2023 - ARSA INSIGHT
September/October 2023 - New Bump Cap Designs Offer More Flexibility, Fit More Heads
September/October 2023 - 36
September/October 2023 - 37
September/October 2023 - 38
September/October 2023 - 39
September/October 2023 - 40
September/October 2023 - 41
September/October 2023 - Advertiser’s Index
September/October 2023 - 43
September/October 2023 - 44
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