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100+ Free FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Practice Questions

Pass your FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test (IAR) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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When determining airworthiness, which document set establishes the approved type design baseline an IA compares the aircraft against?

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Key Facts: FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam

50

Official Multiple-Choice Questions

FAA-G-8082-11 IA Knowledge Test Guide

3 hours

Allotted Testing Time

FAA-G-8082-11 IA Knowledge Test Guide

70%

Required Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing

~$175

PSI Testing Fee

PSI FAA Knowledge Testing

3 years

A&P Certificate Required Before IA

14 CFR 65.91

100

Free Practice Questions Here

OpenExamPrep

The FAA IAR is a 50-question, multiple-choice airman knowledge test with a 3-hour time limit and a 70% passing score, delivered by PSI for A&P mechanics seeking an Inspection Authorization. It is aligned to FAA-G-8082-11 and the current 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 65 rules. This free bank provides 100 selected-response practice questions with explanations across all seven knowledge areas, weighted toward Part 43 maintenance and alterations and airworthiness inspections.

Sample FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR Part 43, who may perform a major repair on an airframe and approve it for return to service?
A.An A&P mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization, or an appropriately rated repair station or manufacturer
B.A certificated A&P mechanic without inspection authorization
C.Any certificated repairman regardless of rating
D.The aircraft owner under preventive maintenance privileges
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 65.95 and Part 43, a major repair may be performed by an A&P, but it must be approved for return to service by a person holding an Inspection Authorization, an appropriately rated repair station, or the manufacturer. The IA's approval and FAA Form 337 are what make the major repair returnable to service.
2According to 14 CFR Part 43, which statement best describes a 'major alteration'?
A.Any alteration that requires the use of a torque wrench
B.An alteration not listed in the aircraft specifications that might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, or other qualities affecting airworthiness
C.Any alteration performed by an A&P mechanic
D.An alteration that only changes cabin upholstery
Explanation: 14 CFR 1.1 defines a major alteration as one not listed in the aircraft, engine, or propeller specifications that might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics, or other qualities affecting airworthiness, or one not done according to accepted practices or not elementary in nature. Major alterations require FAA Form 337 and approved data.
3Which document must be completed and executed for a major repair or major alteration to a type-certificated aircraft?
A.FAA Form 8130-3
B.FAA Form 8060-4
C.FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration
D.A logbook entry only
Explanation: FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), is required by 14 CFR 43.9 and Appendix B for major repairs and major alterations. A copy goes to the FAA, a copy stays with the aircraft records, and the work must be based on approved data.
4How long is an Inspection Authorization (IA) valid under 14 CFR Part 65 before it must be renewed?
A.One year, expiring on March 31 of each odd-numbered year
B.Indefinitely, with no renewal required
C.Five years from the date of issuance
D.Two years, expiring on March 31 of each odd-numbered year
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 65.92, an Inspection Authorization is effective until March 31 of each odd-numbered year. The IA must be renewed by meeting the activity or training requirements of 14 CFR 65.93, and it expires if the holder no longer holds a valid mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings.
5To be eligible to apply for an Inspection Authorization under 14 CFR 65.91, an applicant must hold an A&P certificate and have been actively engaged in maintaining aircraft for at least how long?
A.3 years
B.1 year
C.2 years
D.6 months
Explanation: 14 CFR 65.91 requires that the applicant hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings, have held it for at least 3 years, and have been actively engaged in maintaining certificated aircraft for at least the 2 years preceding application, plus have a fixed base of operation and required equipment.
6An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is best described as:
A.An optional manufacturer recommendation
B.A legally enforceable regulation issued by the FAA to correct an unsafe condition in a product
C.A service bulletin issued by the type certificate holder
D.A one-time advisory with no compliance requirement
Explanation: Airworthiness Directives are issued under 14 CFR Part 39 and are legally enforceable rules that apply to aircraft, engines, propellers, or appliances when an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Compliance is mandatory within the AD's stated terms.
7When determining the airworthiness of an aircraft for an annual inspection, an IA must verify that the aircraft conforms to which of the following?
A.Only the current owner's preferences
B.Only the engine manufacturer's overhaul schedule
C.Its type certificate or supplemental type certificate data, and is in a condition for safe operation
D.Only the most recent weight-and-balance report
Explanation: An aircraft is airworthy when it conforms to its type design (type certificate, including any STCs and properly executed Form 337 alterations) and is in a condition for safe operation. The IA must verify both elements before approving the aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection.
8Under 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A, which of the following is classified as preventive maintenance that a certificated pilot may perform on an aircraft they own or operate (not used in air carrier service)?
A.Replacement of a wing spar
B.Repair of a structural fuselage member
C.Major repair of a control surface
D.Replacement of defective safety wiring or cotter keys
Explanation: 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A(c) lists preventive maintenance items, including replacing defective safety wiring or cotter keys. A holder of at least a private pilot certificate may perform listed preventive maintenance on an aircraft they own or operate, provided it is not operated under Part 121, 129, or 135.
9A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is primarily used by an IA to:
A.Verify that the aircraft and its components conform to the approved type design, including limitations and required placards
B.Schedule the aircraft's next oil change
C.Determine the AD compliance status of competitor aircraft
D.Record the return to service of a major alteration
Explanation: The TCDS is the FAA record of the approved type design for an aircraft, engine, or propeller. It lists configuration data, limitations, equipment, placards, and other items the IA uses to verify conformity to type design when determining airworthiness.
10Which of the following is considered FAA-approved data that may be used as the basis for a major repair?
A.A general A&P textbook
B.An FAA-approved STC, AD, or appliance manufacturer's FAA-approved instructions
C.Manufacturer's maintenance manual instructions for routine servicing
D.An aircraft owner's verbal description of how a previous repair was done
Explanation: Approved data includes type certificate data, STCs, ADs, FAA-approved manufacturer's data (such as DER-approved or FAA-accepted-then-approved repair data), and AC 43.13-1B/-2B when accepted by the FAA for the specific repair. An STC and an AD are clear examples of approved data for major repairs.

About the FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam

The FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test (IAR) is the computer-based airman knowledge test that certificated airframe and powerplant mechanics must pass to obtain an Inspection Authorization. It is built to FAA-G-8082-11 and tests 14 CFR Part 43 maintenance and alteration rules, determining airworthiness and conducting inspections, Airworthiness Directives, STCs and type certificate data, FAA Form 337 and 8130-3 and required records, 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D IA privileges and renewal, publications and data acceptability, and recordkeeping and return-to-service responsibilities.

Assessment

50 multiple-choice, 3 hours, 70% to pass, computer-based via PSI (official FAA IAR test, for A&P holders); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

~$175 (PSI testing fee) (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA))

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam Content Outline

25%

Part 43 — Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance & Alterations

14 CFR Part 43 applicability, major versus minor repairs and alterations, 43.13 methods and performance rules, supervised maintenance under 43.3, and Appendix A preventive maintenance, Appendix B recording, and Appendix D inspection scope.

18%

Determining Airworthiness & Conducting Inspections

The two-part airworthiness standard of conformity to type design and condition for safe operation, plus conducting annual, 100-hour, and progressive inspections under 43.15, 91.409, and Part 43 Appendix D scope and detail.

15%

ADs, Service Bulletins, STCs & Type Certificate Data

Part 39 Airworthiness Directive compliance and recurring-AD tracking, when service bulletins become mandatory, Supplemental Type Certificates, Type Certificate Data Sheets, and approved versus acceptable data.

14%

FAA Form 337, Form 8130-3 & Required Records

Executing and distributing FAA Form 337 for major repairs and alterations, FAA Form 8130-3 parts release and traceability, field approvals and DER 8110-3 data, and required return-to-service maintenance records.

12%

Part 65 Subpart D — IA Privileges, Limitations & Renewal

14 CFR 65.91 eligibility, 65.92 validity until March 31 of odd-numbered years, 65.93 activity and refresher-course renewal, and 65.95 IA privileges and limitations.

8%

Publications, Data Acceptability, MMEL/MEL & Manufacturer Instructions

AC 43.13-1B acceptable methods, FAA-G-8082-11 guidance, data precedence, instructions for continued airworthiness, MMEL/MEL relief, and manufacturer maintenance manual use.

8%

Recordkeeping & Return-to-Service Responsibilities

14 CFR 43.5, 43.9, 43.10, and 43.11 entries, life-limited part records, owner responsibilities under 91.405, and record retention and transfer under 91.417 and 91.421.

How to Pass the FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 50 multiple-choice, 3 hours, 70% to pass, computer-based via PSI (official FAA IAR test, for A&P holders); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: ~$175 (PSI testing fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Weight your study toward Part 43 and airworthiness inspections, since major versus minor decisions, Appendix A/B/D, and the two-part airworthiness standard recur throughout the IAR test.
2Learn the exact distinction between approved data and acceptable data, because the IAR test repeatedly asks which is required for major repairs and alterations.
3Memorize the Form 337 workflow, including the 48-hour FAA submission and copy distribution, and how STCs and field approvals become the approved-data basis.
4Know the Part 65 numbers cold: 3-year A&P holding, 2-year recent activity, March 31 odd-year expiration, and the 65.93 renewal activity or refresher-course options.
5When reviewing missed questions, sort them by regulation citation (Part 43, 65, 91, 39) and by error type such as rule recall, data acceptability, or recordkeeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the FAA Inspection Authorization (IAR) knowledge test?

The official FAA IAR knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You have 3 hours to complete it and must score at least 70% to pass. This free practice bank provides 100 selected-response questions so you can drill more deeply across every IA knowledge area before test day.

What is the passing score and time limit for the FAA IA test?

You must score 70% or higher on the FAA IAR knowledge test, and you are allotted 3 hours. The test is computer-based and delivered by PSI at authorized testing centers for certificated airframe and powerplant mechanics seeking an Inspection Authorization.

Who is eligible to take the FAA Inspection Authorization knowledge test?

Under 14 CFR 65.91 you must hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings for at least 3 years, have been actively engaged in maintaining certificated aircraft for at least the 2 years preceding application, and have a fixed base of operation with the required equipment and inspection data.

How much does the FAA IA knowledge test cost?

The PSI testing fee for the FAA airman knowledge test is approximately $175. Confirm the current fee directly with PSI when you schedule, since testing-center pricing can change.

What topics are covered on the FAA IAR knowledge test?

The IAR test follows FAA-G-8082-11 and covers 14 CFR Part 43 maintenance and alterations, determining airworthiness and conducting inspections, Airworthiness Directives and STCs and type certificate data, FAA Form 337 and 8130-3 and records, 14 CFR Part 65 IA privileges and renewal, publications and data acceptability, and recordkeeping and return-to-service responsibilities.

How long is an Inspection Authorization valid once issued?

Under 14 CFR 65.92 an Inspection Authorization is effective until March 31 of each odd-numbered year. To keep it, you must meet one of the activity or refresher-course renewal requirements in 14 CFR 65.93, and it ceases to be effective if you no longer hold a valid A&P certificate.