FAA Proposes to Convert the Inspection Authorization into a Permanent Inspection Rating

The FAA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would replace the Inspection Authorization (IA) with a new Inspection Rating (IR) on the mechanic certificate, placing it alongside the airframe and powerplant (A&P) ratings. The privileges and limitations stay the same. What goes away is the expiration date. Like the A&P ratings, the IR would never expire. 

Self-maintained record keeping replaces renewal 

Instead of submitting evidence to FAA in March of every odd-numbered year to renew, inspection-rated mechanics would simply maintain their own records demonstrating completion of recent experience requirements and retain them for at least 2 years. These records would only be provided to FAA upon request. 

A new reinstatement path 

Today, a lapsed IA is gone, forcing the mechanic to reapply and retake the written test. Under the proposal, a mechanic whose recent experience lapses could regain IR privileges by completing eight hours of acceptable training or passing an oral test with an FAA inspector, with no full reapplication. 

For current holders 

Mechanics holding a valid IA when the rule takes effect could keep exercising their privileges without interruption. They would have 24 months to request a free replacement certificate showing the IR, plus a 6-month grace period to meet the recent-experience requirement. The FAA also plans to formalize the written test into a new Aviation Mechanic Inspection Rating Airman Certification Standard (ACS). 

Impacts 

The FAA calls the change deregulatory, estimating roughly $1.01 million in savings for mechanics and $4.44 million for the agency over 10 years by cutting repetitive paperwork. For operators, the hope is that this will make a dent (if a small one) in the nationwide shortage of sorely needed mechanics with inspection privileges. 

The FAA is accepting comments through August 31, 2026, at docket FAA-2026-6671.