Definition
An Inspection Authorization is an additional FAA-issued authority granted to an experienced Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic that permits the holder to perform annual inspections, conduct progressive inspections, and approve major repairs and major alterations for return to service. It is governed by 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, and requires the mechanic to have held an A&P certificate for a specified period and meet recency-of-experience requirements.
Plain English
It is an extra qualification that a senior aircraft mechanic can earn, which lets them sign off on the most important inspections and approve big repairs or modifications so the aircraft is legal to fly again.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in aircraft maintenance records, annual inspection discussions, condition inspection planning, and logbook sign-offs.
Derivation
Inspection comes from a Latin root meaning “to look into” or “examine.” Authorization means official permission. Together, the term means official permission to perform and approve certain aircraft inspections.
Why Pilots Care
An IA is required to complete and approve annual inspections; without one, the aircraft cannot legally return to service after the inspection.
Intuition Check
Inspection Authorization does not mean general permission for anyone to look over an airplane. In FAA use, it is a specific authority granted to a qualified aircraft mechanic to perform and approve certain inspections and maintenance returns to service.
Example Sentence 1
Before the annual was due, the owner flew the aircraft to a shop with a mechanic who held an IA so the inspection could be signed off.
Example Sentence 2
Only a holder of an Inspection Authorization may sign the logbook entry approving the aircraft after its annual inspection.