Definition
An Inspection Authorization is a special FAA authorization granted to a qualified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic that permits the holder to perform and approve annual inspections, and to approve major repairs and major alterations for return to service. It is issued under 14 CFR Part 65 and requires the mechanic to have held an A&P certificate for at least three years, meet recent experience requirements, and pass an FAA written test.
Plain English
An IA is an extra qualification that lets an experienced aircraft mechanic sign off on the yearly full inspection of an aircraft and approve big repairs or modifications. Not every mechanic can do this — only those who have earned the IA on top of their regular mechanic's certificate.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance records, annual inspection planning, and discussions of who is allowed to inspect or approve work on a light-sport aircraft.
Derivation
Inspection comes from the idea of looking into or examining something closely. Authorization means official permission. Together, Inspection Authorization means official permission to perform and approve certain inspections, not just general mechanical skill.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures critical safety inspections are performed and approved only by authorized personnel, keeping the aircraft legally airworthy for flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read IA as just “any inspector” or “any mechanic.” In this context, it means a mechanic who holds a specific added FAA permission called Inspection Authorization.
Example Sentence 1
The owner flew the airplane to a mechanic with an IA so the annual inspection could be completed and signed off.
Example Sentence 2
Only a mechanic with an IA can return the aircraft to service after completing the check.