The renewal process for inspection authorization (IA) holders has changed from an annual to a biennial requirement. IA’s must now submit their renewal paperwork by March 31 of each odd-numbered year, rather than the previous annual March 31 deadline. However, IA’s must still maintain currency requirements each year under FAR 65.93(a). To apply for renewal, an IA must show completion of one of the following activities by March 31 in each year of the two-year inspection authorization period:
(1) Perform at least one annual inspection for each 90 days that the IA held his or her current inspection authorization.
(2) Perform at least two major repairs or major alterations for each 90 days that the IA held his or her current inspection authorization.
(3) Perform or supervise and approve at least one progressive inspection in accordance with standards prescribed by the FAA.
(4) Attend and successfully complete a refresher course of no fewer than eight hours of instruction.
(5) Pass an oral test by an FAA inspector to determine that the IA’s knowledge of applicable regulations and standards is current.
If an IA does not complete one of the above activities by March 31 of the first year of the two-year inspection authorization period, he or she may not exercise IA privileges after March 31 of the first year. At that point, the only option for an IA to regain his or her inspection authorization privileges is to pass an oral test administered by an FAA inspector. Although many IA’s easily satisfy requirements (1), (2) and (3) each year, for those who do not, your local FSDO or FAASafety.gov can provide you with a schedule of free IA renewal seminars.
