Which additional authorization is required beyond a standard mechanic certificate to perform annual inspections?

• A. Inspection Authorization.
• B. Airworthiness Directive clearance.
• C. Aircraft Registration.
• D. Flight Instructor Rating.

Answer: (A)

To legally perform and certify an annual inspection, you need an Inspection Authorization in addition to your standard mechanic certificate. The Inspection Authorization is a separate credential issued by the FAA that grants the authority to conduct annual inspections, review the aircraft’s maintenance history, and sign off that the airworthiness standards have been met. Without this authorization, a mechanic cannot legally sign off annual inspections.

The other options don’t provide this sign-off authority. Airworthiness Directive clearance isn’t a credential that allows you to certify an aircraft; it’s simply ensuring compliance with mandatory ADs as part of maintenance. Aircraft Registration is a legal ownership document, not a maintenance credential. A Flight Instructor Rating enables teaching flight, not performing or certifying maintenance inspections.