FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which inspection may an A&P mechanic without an inspection authorization approve for return to service?

An annual inspection following a major alteration
A 100-hour inspection (Correct answer)
A progressive inspection conducted without an A&P supervisor
An annual inspection on a single-engine aircraft

Correct answer: A 100-hour inspection

Under 43.7 an A&P may approve for return to service after a 100-hour inspection, but annual inspections require an IA or repair station.

Question 2: Who may approve a major alteration for return to service?

Any certificated A&P mechanic
A certificated IA, a certificated repair station, or an FAA inspector (Correct answer)
Only an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR)
Only a DER who approved the alteration data

Correct answer: A certificated IA, a certificated repair station, or an FAA inspector

Major alterations may be approved for return to service by an IA, a certificated repair station rated for the work, or an FAA airworthiness inspector.

Question 3: Which operation requires an aircraft to have a 100-hour inspection in addition to the annual?

Personal flying by the owner
Flight instruction for hire in an aircraft provided by the instructor (Correct answer)
Aerial photography flown by the owner for free
Ferry flights to a maintenance facility with no one aboard

Correct answer: Flight instruction for hire in an aircraft provided by the instructor

91.409(b) applies the 100-hour inspection to aircraft carrying persons for hire or used for flight instruction for hire when the aircraft is provided by the instructor.

Question 4: What is a common sign of corrosion in aluminum aircraft structures?

Bright metallic sheen
Surface bubbling and pitting (Correct answer)
Peeling paint only
Smooth surface texture

Correct answer: Surface bubbling and pitting

A common sign of corrosion in aluminum aircraft structures is the appearance of surface bubbling and pitting. This occurs as corrosion products form beneath the paint, lifting it (bubbling), and as the metal itself degrades, creating small depressions or holes (pitting) on the surface.

Question 5: Which system requires an IA to inspect both the flight control surfaces AND the control system cables, pulleys, and turnbuckles during an annual?

Only the trim tabs and flaps as the primary controls are self-evident
Only the control surfaces, not the internal cable runs
Only the primary flight controls (ailerons, elevator, rudder)
The entire flight control system including secondary controls, trim, and associated hardware (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The entire flight control system including secondary controls, trim, and associated hardware

Appendix D requires inspection of the entire flight control system including surfaces, cables, pulleys, bellcranks, turnbuckles, and all related hardware.

Question 6: What is the purpose of a discrepancy report?

Schedules pilot training
Records aircraft weight changes
Documents inspection findings (Correct answer)
Approves return-to-service

Correct answer: Documents inspection findings

The purpose of a discrepancy report is to formally document all defects, unairworthy conditions, or non-conformities discovered during an aircraft inspection. It serves as a comprehensive list of items that require corrective action and repair before the aircraft can be approved for return to service, ensuring all issues are addressed.

Question 7: Under 14 CFR 91.417, how long must records of routine maintenance and alterations be retained?

For 5 years after the work was performed
For 90 days after the next annual inspection
Until the work is repeated or superseded, or for 1 year after it was performed (Correct answer)
For the life of the aircraft

Correct answer: Until the work is repeated or superseded, or for 1 year after it was performed

91.417(b)(1) requires retention until the work is repeated or superseded or for 1 year after it was done.

Question 8: Under 14 CFR 21.181, how long does a standard airworthiness certificate remain effective?

Only while the original owner holds registration
Until the next annual inspection
For 24 calendar months from issue
As long as maintenance and alterations are performed per parts 43 and 91 and the aircraft is registered in the US (Correct answer)

Correct answer: As long as maintenance and alterations are performed per parts 43 and 91 and the aircraft is registered in the US

The certificate stays effective while required maintenance is performed per parts 43 and 91 and the aircraft remains US-registered.

Question 9: Which part of the CFR governs return-to-service procedures?

14 CFR Part 91
14 CFR Part 65
14 CFR Part 43 (Correct answer)
14 CFR Part 21

Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 43

14 CFR Part 43, titled "Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration," specifically governs the procedures for returning an aircraft to service. This part outlines the requirements for performing maintenance, making appropriate record entries, and the qualifications needed to approve an aircraft for flight after maintenance or inspection.

Question 10: Under 14 CFR 43.15(b), what must a person use while performing an annual or 100-hour inspection?

Only the aircraft's pilot operating handbook
A verbal briefing from the owner
A checklist that covers the scope and detail of Appendix D items (Correct answer)
An inspection form issued by the FAA for each aircraft

Correct answer: A checklist that covers the scope and detail of Appendix D items

43.15(b) requires a checklist that includes the Appendix D scope and detail and the items in 43.13(b).

Question 11: Under AC 43.13-1B, a dent in a steel tube that is acceptable without repair generally must be:

Any depth if no crack exists
Less than 1/10 of the tube diameter, free of cracks, and not in a weld area (Correct answer)
Located on a weld seam
Less than half the wall thickness at a cluster joint

Correct answer: Less than 1/10 of the tube diameter, free of cracks, and not in a weld area

Dents deeper than 1/10 the tube diameter, cracked, or at welds require repair.

Question 12: During an annual inspection, an IA finds hydraulic fluid seeping past the piston rod seal of a landing gear actuator. What action is required?

Apply hydraulic sealant to the external seal area and return to service
Reduce system pressure by 10% and return to service with owner notification
Clean the area, log it as a monitoring item, and return to service with owner advisory
Replace the seals or overhaul the actuator before returning to airworthy service (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Replace the seals or overhaul the actuator before returning to airworthy service

A leaking actuator seal compromises system pressure integrity and creates a fire hazard from hydraulic fluid on hot components; the actuator must have its seals replaced or be overhauled before the aircraft is returned to service.

Question 13: An IA completes an annual inspection and finds no discrepancies. Which statement must the maintenance record entry contain under 14 CFR 43.11?

The aircraft has been inspected in accordance with an annual inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition (Correct answer)
The aircraft is approved for return to service per the manufacturer's maintenance manual
The aircraft meets all applicable ADs and has no open service bulletins
The aircraft is eligible for a standard airworthiness certificate renewal

Correct answer: The aircraft has been inspected in accordance with an annual inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition

Section 43.11(a) requires a certification that the aircraft was inspected per the stated type of inspection and determined to be in airworthy condition.

Question 14: According to 14 CFR 43.13(b), after maintenance the aircraft's condition must be at least equal to what?

Its original or properly altered condition (Correct answer)
The average condition for aircraft of the same age
Its condition at the last annual inspection
The minimum condition needed for VFR flight

Correct answer: Its original or properly altered condition

43.13(b) requires work to leave the product at least equal to its original or properly altered condition in structure, function, and other airworthiness qualities.

Question 15: What regulatory document defines the minimum scope and detail of an annual inspection?

14 CFR Part 91, Appendix A
14 CFR Part 65, Subpart E
AC 43-204 (Visual Inspection for Aircraft)
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D

14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D specifies the minimum items that must be inspected during an annual or 100-hour inspection.

Question 16: Which document must be issued by an IA for return to service after an annual inspection?

Inspection Authorization Certificate
Return to Service Logbook Entry (Correct answer)
FAA Form 337
Airworthiness Certificate

Correct answer: Return to Service Logbook Entry

For an aircraft to be returned to service after an annual inspection, an IA must issue a Return to Service Logbook Entry. This entry, detailed in 14 CFR Part 43.11, serves as the official certification that the aircraft has been inspected and found to be in an airworthy condition. It includes a description of the inspection, the date, and the IA's signature and certificate number.

Question 17: Which inspection document outlines intervals for structural checks?

Airworthiness certificate
Maintenance manual (Correct answer)
Flight manual
Logbook

Correct answer: Maintenance manual

The aircraft's maintenance manual is the primary inspection document that outlines the specific intervals and detailed procedures for structural checks and other maintenance tasks. Provided by the manufacturer, it ensures that all inspections and repairs comply with design specifications and airworthiness requirements.

Question 18: Stress corrosion cracking requires which combination of conditions?

Sustained tensile stress, susceptible material, and corrosive environment (Correct answer)
Dissimilar metals and no moisture
Vibration alone
Compressive load, dry air, and heat

Correct answer: Sustained tensile stress, susceptible material, and corrosive environment

All three factors must be present for stress corrosion cracks to develop.

Question 19: How are hidden cracks in ferromagnetic materials typically found?

Ultrasonic inspection
Visual inspection
Magnetic particle inspection (Correct answer)
Dye penetrant inspection

Correct answer: Magnetic particle inspection

Hidden cracks in ferromagnetic materials (like steel) are typically found using magnetic particle inspection (MPI). This non-destructive testing method involves magnetizing the part and applying fine magnetic particles, which accumulate at any surface or near-surface discontinuities, making the cracks visible.

Question 20: An Inspection Authorization is valid for what period?

One calendar year, expiring March 31 (Correct answer)
Two years from the date of issuance
One year from the date of issuance
Indefinitely until surrendered

Correct answer: One calendar year, expiring March 31

An IA is valid for one calendar year and expires on March 31 of each year unless renewed.

Question 21: During an annual inspection, the IA checks the magneto-to-engine timing. What is the risk of advanced timing?

Retarded power output and rough running only
Preignition and detonation that can damage pistons and cylinders (Correct answer)
Reduced fuel consumption and over-temperature risk
Fouled spark plugs from incomplete combustion

Correct answer: Preignition and detonation that can damage pistons and cylinders

Timing that is too far advanced causes the fuel-air charge to ignite before the piston reaches the correct position, leading to preignition and potentially destructive detonation.

Question 22: During a pre-purchase inspection, an IA discovers the aircraft was inadvertently fueled with Jet-A instead of 100LL AVGAS. What is the required action before the aircraft may be returned to service?

Drain the entire fuel system, flush with 100LL AVGAS, and perform a full-power ground run
Document the misfueling event in maintenance records and advise the owner to operate at reduced power
Run the engine at ground idle to purge the Jet-A, then top off with 100LL AVGAS and run up normally
Do not return to service until the engine and fuel system are inspected per the manufacturer's fuel contamination procedures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Do not return to service until the engine and fuel system are inspected per the manufacturer's fuel contamination procedures

Misfueling a piston aircraft with Jet-A is a serious airworthiness event; the aircraft must not be returned to service until the engine and fuel system have been inspected per the engine and airframe manufacturer's specific fuel contamination recovery procedures.

Question 23: What must an IA verify about the aircraft's placards and markings during an annual?

That placards are only in English regardless of the aircraft's country of registration
That all placards match the airline operator's style guide
That all required placards are present, legible, and located per the aircraft type certificate and operating limitations (Correct answer)
That placards are laminated for durability

Correct answer: That all required placards are present, legible, and located per the aircraft type certificate and operating limitations

Placards are part of the aircraft type design and operating limitations; missing or illegible required placards are an airworthiness deficiency.

Question 24: A manufacturer rebuilds an engine and grants it zero time. What must the new engine record contain under 14 CFR 91.421?

A copy of every prior logbook entry
Only the previous owner's name
A signed statement of the rebuild date, AD-required changes, and (if requested) service bulletin changes (Correct answer)
Only the engine serial number

Correct answer: A signed statement of the rebuild date, AD-required changes, and (if requested) service bulletin changes

Section 91.421(b) requires a signed statement of the rebuild date plus changes made per ADs, and per service bulletins if the owner requests.

Question 25: An IA finds an aircraft unairworthy during an annual inspection. What must be done under 14 CFR 43.11?

Remove the registration certificate from the aircraft
Ground the aircraft by notifying the pilot's insurer
Report the aircraft to the NTSB within 24 hours
Give the owner a signed and dated list of the discrepancies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Give the owner a signed and dated list of the discrepancies

43.11(b) requires giving the owner or lessee a signed and dated list of discrepancies.

Question 26: Filiform corrosion most commonly appears as:

Layered lifting of metal in extrusions
Thread-like filaments beneath paint or other coatings (Correct answer)
Black powder between mating parts
Deep craters in bare steel

Correct answer: Thread-like filaments beneath paint or other coatings

Filiform corrosion forms worm-like filaments under protective finishes, usually on aluminum or magnesium.

Question 27: Which NDI method is commonly used to find trapped water in honeycomb sandwich panels?

Radiography (Correct answer)
Chemical etching
Magnetic particle
Dye penetrant

Correct answer: Radiography

X-ray radiography shows fluid in honeycomb cells and hidden internal damage.

Question 28: What does the IA verify about an engine's crankcase breather system during an annual inspection?

That the breather tube is routed overboard and free from ice or obstruction (Correct answer)
That the breather filter is replaced every 100 hours
That the crankcase pressure equals manifold pressure at cruise
That the breather connects to the carburetor heat system

Correct answer: That the breather tube is routed overboard and free from ice or obstruction

The crankcase breather must be unobstructed and routed to vent overboard so that crankcase pressure can escape without building up and causing oil leaks or seal failure.

Question 29: When does an Inspection Authorization expire unless it is renewed?

December 31 of each year
March 31 of each even-numbered year
March 31 of each odd-numbered year (Correct answer)
Two years from the last day of the month it was issued

Correct answer: March 31 of each odd-numbered year

Under 14 CFR 65.92, an IA expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year.

Question 30: According to AC 43.13-1B, what category of fuel leak is defined as moisture or fuel that appears as a wet spot but does not form drops?

Stain
Heavy seep
Seep (Correct answer)
Running leak

Correct answer: Seep

AC 43.13-1B defines a 'seep' as fuel leakage that appears as a wet spot but does not form dripping drops, representing the lowest-severity leak category.

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Knowledge Test

The FAA Inspection Authorization knowledge test certifies experienced mechanics to perform annual inspections and approve aircraft for return to service, covering federal aviation regulations, inspection procedures, maintenance records, and aircraft systems.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

ecfr.gov — Score validity · verified Oct 2026
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