IA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield IA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After a major repair is approved for return to service, how must the completed FAA Form 337 be handled? → Copy to the aircraft owner and a copy forwarded to the FAA within 48 hours
2. Who has primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition under 14 CFR 91.403? → The owner or operator
3. To qualify for an IA, an applicant must have been actively engaged in maintaining certificated aircraft for at least how long? → 2 years
4. What interval applies to the altimeter and static system tests required for IFR operation under 14 CFR 91.411? → 24 calendar months
5. Within how long must a copy of FAA Form 337 be forwarded to the FAA after a major repair or alteration is approved for return to service? → 48 hours
6. Who may approve for return to service a major repair on an airframe of a Part 91 aircraft, when no repair station is involved? → A mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization
7. To qualify for an IA, the applicant must have performed at least how many hours of maintenance work on aircraft during the preceding 2-year period? → 1,000 hours
8. Magnetic particle inspection can be used only on: → Ferromagnetic materials
9. Which item is NOT required in a maintenance record entry under 14 CFR 43.9(a)? → The aircraft owner's signature
10. An IA completes an annual inspection but finds one unairworthy item. What must happen before the return-to-service entry can be made? → The unairworthy item must be repaired or, if deferrable under an MEL, properly deferred
11. Which regulation specifically lists fuel filters and strainers as items that must be inspected during an annual inspection? → 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D
12. What is a common sign of corrosion in aluminum aircraft structures? → Surface bubbling and pitting
13. To whom must the owner or operator make maintenance records available on request under 14 CFR 91.417(c)? → The Administrator or an authorized NTSB representative
14. Ultrasonic inspection finds discontinuities by: → Reflecting high-frequency sound waves from flaws
15. No type certificate, STC, or other approved data exists for a proposed alteration. How can the data be approved for a Form 337 alteration? → By field approval from an FAA Flight Standards inspector or other authorized FAA approval
16. Which regulation provides the scope and detail of items to be included in an annual inspection? → 14 CFR part 43, appendix D
17. An aircraft's annual inspection has expired. How may it legally be flown to the shop that will perform the inspection? → Under a special flight permit issued by the FAA
18. Which of the following activities satisfies one of the renewal requirements under 14 CFR 65.93? → Performing at least 5 annual inspections during the preceding 12 months
19. Which part of the CFR governs aircraft maintenance regulations? → 14 CFR Part 43
20. After an avionics installation adds 18 pounds in the aft baggage area, what must be done to the aircraft's records? → Revise the weight and balance data and equipment list
21. Which item is required in a maintenance record entry for an inspection under 14 CFR 43.11? → Type, extent, and date of inspection and total time in service
22. An IA finds an aircraft unairworthy during an annual inspection. What must be done under 14 CFR 43.11? → Give the owner a signed and dated list of the discrepancies
23. Which inspection approach is commonly used to find moisture intrusion in composite honeycomb without disassembly? → Infrared thermography
24. Which item is NOT required in a maintenance record entry for an annual inspection under 14 CFR 43.11? → The owner's signature acknowledging the findings
25. Which activity can be used to qualify for IA renewal under 14 CFR 65.93? → Completing a refresher course acceptable to the FAA
26. A black, smudged streak trailing from a rivet head on the skin (a 'smoking rivet') indicates: → A loose rivet that is moving and fretting
27. What is the consequence of failing to comply with FAA maintenance regulations? → Civil penalties and certificate action
28. Who has the authority to approve an aircraft for return to service after a major alteration? → Mechanic with IA
29. An IA holder who fails to meet renewal requirements by March 31 must do what to regain the authorization? → Reapply and meet all original eligibility requirements
30. Which information must the AD compliance record contain under 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v)? → The AD number and revision date, method of compliance, and next due time for recurring ADs