Certifications
How to Get Your IA Endorsement:
Timeline, Requirements & What It Is Worth
The Inspection Authorization is the single most valuable credential an A&P mechanic can add after their certificate. It opens the door to inspection lead roles, higher contract rates, and a category of work most A&P mechanics cannot touch. Here is everything you need to know.
📅 April 2025
🕒 7 min read
🎉 Certifications
Data Sources: All regulatory requirements are from
14 CFR Part 65, Subpart E. Pay premium data from BLS OEWS and industry mechanic survey data from AMT Online.
What the IA Actually Lets You Do
Your A&P certificate authorizes you to perform maintenance and return aircraft to service. The Inspection Authorization goes further — it allows you to:
- Perform annual inspections on civil aircraft (except large and turbine-powered aircraft, which require a certified repair station)
- Perform progressive inspections in place of annual inspections
- Approve for return to service major repairs and alterations approved by the FAA on FAA Form 337
- Supervise other mechanics on inspection work, signing off their work
In practice this means IA-endorsed mechanics are qualified for inspection lead roles on C-checks and D-checks, quality control supervisory positions, and independent inspection work — all of which command significantly higher pay.
The shortage is real: The FAA reports that the number of active IA holders has declined over the past decade as experienced mechanics retire. This creates genuine demand and leverage for mechanics who hold the credential.
The Requirements — Exactly What the FAA Requires
Prerequisites Under 14 CFR 65.91
✅Hold a valid A&P certificate — both Airframe and Powerplant ratings required
✅3 years of certificated experience — actively exercising the privileges of your A&P for at least 3 years preceding the application
✅18 months of experience in the preceding 3 years — you must have been actively working as a certificated mechanic in the 36 months before you apply
✅Facility with tools and equipment — you must have access to, or show proof of arrangement for, the equipment necessary to perform annual inspections
✅Pass the IA knowledge test — FAA written test on inspection procedures, regulations, and airworthiness standards
✅FSDO recommendation — your local FSDO reviews your application and recommends issuance
The IA Renewal Trap Most Mechanics Miss
Unlike your A&P certificate — which does not expire — the IA must be renewed every 12 months. Specifically, to renew you must meet one of the following during the preceding 12-month period:
- Performed at least one annual inspection
- Performed at least one progressive inspection
- Supervised at least one annual inspection that you did not personally perform
- Completed an FAA-accepted refresher course of at least 8 hours
Many mechanics let their IA lapse by taking a year-long contract where they are not performing annuals. If your IA lapses you must reapply and retest — you do not simply renew. Plan your contracts to include IA-qualifying work at least once per year.
The IA Knowledge Test — What to Study
The FAA IA written test (AIA) contains 50 questions from the FAA knowledge test question bank. The passing score is 70%. Key topic areas include:
- 14 CFR Parts 39, 43, 65, 91, 145 — know these cold
- Annual and progressive inspection procedures
- FAA Form 337 (Major Repair and Alteration) completion
- Airworthiness Directives (ADs) — identifying applicable ADs and compliance methods
- Return to service requirements and documentation
- Airworthiness certificates and aircraft records
Recommended study materials: ASA's IA Test Guide and Gleim Aviation Maintenance Technician IA are the standard resources. Most mechanics who study the ASA guide consistently report passing on the first attempt.
What the IA Is Worth in Your Paycheck
| Role Type | Without IA | With IA | Premium |
|---|
| Line maintenance mechanic | $36-48/hr | $44-58/hr | +$8-10/hr |
| C/D-check heavy maintenance | $58-72/hr | $72-92/hr | +$14-20/hr |
| Inspection Lead / QC | Not eligible | $85-110/hr | Opens new tier |
| Independent / Part 91 annuals | Not eligible | $100-180/inspection | New revenue stream |
| Contract MRO work | $62-78/hr | $78-105/hr | +$15-27/hr |
Annual inspection revenue: Many IA-endorsed mechanics supplement their contract income by performing annual inspections independently on the side. At $100-180 per inspection and 20-30 inspections per year, that is a supplemental $2,000-5,400 in annual income on a part-time basis — all legal and all on your own schedule.
Starting the Clock: What to Do Right Now
If you are within 1-2 years of eligibility, here is what to do immediately:
- Document everything now. Start keeping a personal logbook of every aircraft, system, and task you work on — even if your employer has records. Your FSDO will want to see evidence of diverse, continuous experience.
- Get exposure to inspection work. Shadow IA-endorsed mechanics during annuals. Understanding the practical flow of an annual inspection makes the test and FSDO interview significantly easier.
- Contact your FSDO informally. Before you are eligible, call your local FSDO and ask what they look for in an IA application. Different FSDOs have slightly different interpretations of "adequate access to equipment." Knowing your specific FSDO's expectations early prevents surprises.
- Order the study materials. The ASA IA test guide is less than $30. Start reading it now — the regulations do not change quickly and early familiarity makes the test feel routine.
IA-Endorsed Mechanics Get Prioritized on AeroRobust
When contractors filter for inspection lead candidates, IA endorsement is the first filter they apply. Make sure yours is visible on your profile.
Add Your IA to Your Profile →