Inspection Authorization (IA) Practice Test: FAA IAR Knowledge Test

135 practice questions on IA eligibility and renewal, major repairs and alterations and approved data, annual and progressive inspections, ADs, records and Form 337, and the judgment calls on the floor. We wrote every question from the FAA's own IA guide and the regulations, and each answer links the exact page or section it comes from. The real IA test is 50 questions at 70%.

The real test: 50 questions in 3 hours. 35 right (70%) passes.

Here: 135 questions. Our own practice questions, written from the FAA's Inspection Authorization Information Guide (FAA-G-8082-19) and 14 CFR, U.S. government works. Not the FAA's test questions. Free.

What's on the test

10 sample questions

1. To be eligible for an IA, how long must your airframe and powerplant ratings have been in effect?

   • A.A total of at least 5 years with both
   • B.A total of at least 3 years
   • C.At least 2 years
   • D.At least 1 year with each rating
   Show answer

   B. A total of at least 3 years

   IAR-1 · The IA itself · 14 CFR 65.91

2. A major alteration is one not listed in the specifications that:

   • A.Costs more than $1,000
   • B.Might appreciably affect weight, balance, strength, performance, powerplant operation or flight characteristics
   • C.Requires removing a wing
   • D.Takes more than 8 hours
   Show answer

   B. Might appreciably affect weight, balance, strength, performance, powerplant operation or flight characteristics

   IAR-26 · Major repairs, alterations and approved data · 14 CFR 1.1

3. An aircraft may not be operated unless it has had an annual inspection within the preceding:

   • A.12 calendar months
   • B.100 hours
   • C.12 months to the day
   • D.365 days
   Show answer

   A. 12 calendar months

   IAR-54 · Annual, 100-hour and progressive inspections · 14 CFR 91.409

4. What are airworthiness directives?

   • A.Legally enforceable rules for aircraft, engines, propellers and appliances
   • B.Pilot operating tips
   • C.Optional manufacturer advice that owners may follow when it is convenient for them
   • D.FAA advisory circulars
   Show answer

   A. Legally enforceable rules for aircraft, engines, propellers and appliances

   IAR-80 · Airworthiness directives · 14 CFR 39.3

5. What goes in a maintenance record entry under 43.9?

   • A.Description of work, completion date, name of performer if different, and signature, certificate number and kind of certificate of the approver
   • B.Only the date and hours
   • C.Only a signature
   • D.The cost and parts list
   Show answer

   A. Description of work, completion date, name of performer if different, and signature, certificate number and kind of certificate of the approver

   IAR-95 · Records, Form 337 and return to service · 14 CFR 43.9

6. The aircraft doesn't conform to its TCDS and there is no record of the change. Which is an option?

   • A.Ignore it if it looks good
   • B.Contact the owner, or inspect and approve it on a 337 if approved data exists, or call the ASI
   • C.Sign the annual and note it
   • D.Remove the change without telling the owner
   Show answer

   B. Contact the owner, or inspect and approve it on a 337 if approved data exists, or call the ASI

   IAR-116 · Judgment calls on the floor · IA Guide, PDF p. 23

7. How long must an IA applicant have been actively engaged in maintaining certificated aircraft before applying?

   • A.At least the 1-year period before applying
   • B.At least 3 of the last 5 years
   • C.At least the 2-year period before applying
   • D.At least 6 months in the past year
   Show answer

   C. At least the 2-year period before applying

   IAR-2 · The IA itself · 14 CFR 65.91

8. What is a minor alteration?

   • A.Any alteration other than a major alteration
   • B.Any alteration a pilot can do
   • C.Any alteration done inside the cabin or baggage area
   • D.Any alteration under 5 pounds
   Show answer

   A. Any alteration other than a major alteration

   IAR-27 · Major repairs, alterations and approved data · 14 CFR 1.1

9. When is a 100-hour inspection required?

   • A.Carrying a person for hire, or giving flight instruction for hire in an aircraft you provide
   • B.Every private aircraft every 100 hours
   • C.Only for turbine aircraft
   • D.Any flight over 100 miles
   Show answer

   A. Carrying a person for hire, or giving flight instruction for hire in an aircraft you provide

   IAR-55 · Annual, 100-hour and progressive inspections · 14 CFR 91.409

10. The FAA issues an AD when an unsafe condition exists and:

    • A.It is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design
    • B.At least one accident or incident has already happened in an aircraft of that type design
    • C.The manufacturer agrees
    • D.The product is over 20 years old and no longer supported by its manufacturer
    Show answer

    A. It is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design

    IAR-81 · Airworthiness directives · 14 CFR 39.5

What the study guide does

• Short study rounds and flip cards.
• A practice test built like the real one: 50 questions, 35 to pass.
• Pass Meter: your chance of passing if you sat the test today, worked out from your own answers.
• An explanation for every answer.