Which action requires an Inspection Authorization?

• A. Conducting an annual inspection and approving the aircraft for return to service.
• B. Conducting a 100-hour inspection.
• C. Preflight inspection.
• D. Minor cosmetic repairs.

Answer: (A)

An Inspection Authorization is required for the annual inspection and for approving the aircraft for return to service after that annual. The annual inspection is FAA-mandated and is the most comprehensive check of airworthiness; only a mechanic with an IA can perform it and sign off that the aircraft is airworthy again. The other tasks listed don’t require IA: a 100-hour inspection can be performed and signed off by a licensed mechanic with the appropriate rating, a preflight inspection is a routine check before flight, and minor cosmetic repairs don’t enter the annual inspection process and don’t need IA oversight.