What certificate and ratings are required for a mechanic to conduct an annual inspection and approve the aircraft for return to service?

• A. A pilot certificate.
• B. A mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings.
• C. A mechanic certificate with an Inspection Authorization.
• D. A mechanic certificate with only one rating.

Answer: (C)

The ability to perform an annual inspection and approve an aircraft for return to service hinges on having an Inspection Authorization. This special endorsement, issued to a certificated mechanic, grants the authority to conduct or supervise annual and 100-hour inspections and to sign off the release to service after those inspections. A pilot certificate doesn’t grant maintenance authority, and while a mechanic with both airframe and powerplant ratings can do many maintenance tasks, they cannot legally approve an annual without the Inspection Authorization. Similarly, a mechanic with only one rating doesn’t have the required authorization. Therefore, the needed certificate and ratings are a mechanic certificate with an Inspection Authorization.