Who is authorized to perform an annual inspection on an aircraft?

• A. A certificated A&P mechanic who holds an Inspection Authorization.
• B. Any certificated mechanic.
• C. A certificated pilot with inspection privileges.
• D. A maintenance technician employed by the operator.

Answer: (A)

Annual inspections must be performed by an A&P mechanic who also holds an Inspection Authorization. The IA is a FAA designation that authorizes a technician to conduct annual (and certain other) inspections and to approve the aircraft for return to service after those inspections. This ensures the person signing off has proven, specialized knowledge about airworthiness and the thoroughness required for an annual.

A certificated mechanic without an IA does not have the authority to sign off an annual. A certificated pilot with inspection privileges does not have the general authority to perform or sign off an annual, and a maintenance technician employed by the operator does not automatically have the authority to certify airworthiness either. The combination of an A&P rating with an IA is what enables the required annual inspection to be properly performed and the aircraft to be deemed airworthy.