Inspection Concepts & Techniques
Which credential is required to approve an aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection?
Answer
An Inspection Authorization (IA)
An annual inspection must be performed and approved for return to service by a person holding an Inspection Authorization; an A&P certificate alone is sufficient for a 100-hour inspection but not for an annual, which is the key distinction the other options miss. A repairman certificate is limited to specific tasks/facilities and does not authorize approving annuals, and a pilot certificate confers no maintenance-approval authority.
Source: 14 CFR 65.95(a) and 14 CFR 43.7(b); see also 14 CFR 91.409(a).
Not the answer
- A commercial pilot certificate
- A repairman certificate
- An airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate by itself
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