Preface

Introduction

What You Should Know About IA Certification

What You Should Know About the IA Knowledge Test

Description of the IA Knowledge Test

Preparation for the IA Knowledge Test

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Preface: How to Use This IA Test Prep

This IA Test Prep has been prepared to provide you with the information you will need to pass the IA Knowledge Test and help you become familiar with the privileges and limitations of this, the highest level of maintenance airman certification.

The knowledge test for IA is different from other FAA certification tests in that you are furnished with a more extensive supplement with which to take the test—the latest revision of the Computer Testing Supplement for Inspection Authorization (CT-8080-8). This lengthy supplement contains excerpts from the Federal Regulations, Advisory Circulars, Type Certificate Data Sheets, charts and figures from AC 43.13-1B and AC 43.13-2B, and examples of FAA forms. However, there are questions on the IA Knowledge Test regarding the core knowledge the FAA expects of an airframe and powerplant mechanic that are not covered by the reference material included in the latest revision of CT-8080-8. As it is explained in the FAA’s IA Knowledge Test Guide (FAA-G-8082-11):

“The inspection authorization knowledge test has been considered by some as an open book test because of the use of reference material during the test. To view the test in this manner is a misconception. There has always been a core knowledge requirement for which no reference material was provided. Therefore, it should be noted that, during the tests, there are subject areas for which reference material is not included in the test supplement. These areas will draw on skills acquired as an airframe and powerplant mechanic and which are necessary to properly inspect work performed by others.”

Therefore the IA Knowledge Test also differs from the other FAA tests in that it remains a “closed test,” which means the exact database of questions is not available to the public. The sample questions included in this book have been derived based on history and experience with the IA testing process, and the Learning Statement Codes (LSC) from both the latest revision of CT-8080-8 and the airframe and powerplant mechanics LSC listing. For this reason, it is recommended that in addition to studying this Inspection Authorization Test Prep, you also study the General Test Guide (ASA-AMG), the Airframe Test Guide (ASA-AMA), and the Powerplant Test Guide (ASA-AMP).

A Reader Resources page at the ASA website (asa2fly.com/reader/ia) dedicated to this IA Test Prep has been created to provide additional helpful resources, such as links to copies of pertinent FAA Advisory Circulars, and most importantly, a PDF of the most recent test supplement (the FAA-CT-8080-8). To become familiar with the contents of this FAA test supplement, review this downloadable PDF. If you know ahead of time how the supplement is organized and how to access it while answering questions, this will help you prepare to take the actual exam.

The Federal Regulations that should be studied for the IA knowledge test have been reprinted by ASA and are available in one volume, FAR-AMT: Federal Aviation Regulations for Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

The Advisory Circulars that contain information required for the IA knowledge test are reprinted either in ASA’s FAR-AMT book, or in this IA Test Prep. An exception to this is that AC 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair and AC 43.13-2B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Alterations have been reprinted and bound into a single volume as AC 43.13-1B/2B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection, Repair, and Alterations, reprinted by ASA and sold separately.

The proven effective ASA “Fast-Track” format is used for this test guide and the questions and their answer alternatives are similar to those in the FAA Knowledge Test. Examine the question and the alternatives carefully, then select the alternative that is the best answer for the question. Read the explanation directly below the alternatives to verify your answer. At the bottom of the page in smaller type are the question number, the chosen answer alternative, the LSC, and the actual reference from which the question is derived. There is also a complete answer key in the Appendix, beginning on Page A-1, that shows the question number, chosen answer alternative, LSC, and the reference source from which the answer was derived.

Dale Crane

Terry Michmerhuizen

Introduction

The questions in this manual are typical of those asked on an IA Knowledge Test, and therefore their primary purpose is to help you become familiar with the reference materials. However, ASA's Inspection Authorization Test Prep is not merely an aid to passing the FAA test, but has been prepared to help you understand the materials used by an IA in his/her daily conduct of business.

What You Should Know About IA Certification

Maintenance Airmen

The regulations regarding certification of maintenance airmen are included in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 65, Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers, §65.91. This regulation identifies three categories of maintenance airmen: mechanic, inspector, and repairman.

Mechanic is the basic certification, and there are two ratings available for it: Airframe and Powerplant.

The Inspection Authorization is available to the holder of a Mechanic certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings who meets certain additional experience and knowledge requirements.

Repairman certification is issued to persons who have specialized experience and who work at a specific job in an FAA-certificated facility, such as a repair station or an air carrier. There is another category of Repairman certification that allows the builder of an amateur-built aircraft to perform condition inspections on the aircraft he or she has built.

Basic Privileges of an IA

With the exception of aircraft maintained on a Continuous Airworthiness Program under 14 CFR Part 121, (Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations), an IA may inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft or related part or appliance after a major repair or major alteration. Also the holder of an IA may perform an annual inspection and may supervise or perform a progressive inspection.

Eligibility Requirements for an IA

Eligibility is established at the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) prior to taking the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test.

You are eligible for the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test if you meet the requirements of 14 CFR Part 65, §65.91(c).

§65.91 Inspection Authorization

    (c) To be eligible for an inspection authorization, an applicant must—
        (1) Hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating, each of which is currently effective and has been in effect for a total of at least 3 years;
        (2) Have been actively engaged, for at least the two-year period before the date he applies, in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained in accordance with this chapter;
        (3) Have a fixed base of operations at which he may be located in person or by telephone during a normal working week, but it need not be the place where he will exercise his inspection authority;
        (4) Have available to him the equipment, facilities, and inspection data necessary to properly inspect airframes, powerplants, propellers, or any related part or appliance; and
        (5) Pass a written test on his ability to inspect according to safety standards for returning aircraft to service after major repairs and major alterations and annual and progressive inspection performed under Part 43 of this chapter.

Duration of an Inspection Authorization

Each IA expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year. However, the holder may exercise the privileges of that authorization only while he holds a currently effective mechanic certificate with both a currently effective airframe and powerplant rating.

An IA ceases to be effective whenever any of the following occurs:

Renewal of an Inspection Authorization

To be eligible for renewal of an inspection authorization for a two-year period, an applicant must present evidence annually, during the month of March in odd-numbered years, at an FAA FSDO or an International Field Office that the applicant still meets the requirements of §65.91(c)(1) through (4) and must show that during the current period the applicant has held the inspection authorization, the applicant has—

Change of Fixed Base of Operation

If the holder of an IA changes his fixed base of operation, he may not exercise the privileges of the authorization until he has notified, in writing, the FAA FSDO or International Field Office for the area in which the new base is located, of the change.

What You Should Know About the IA Knowledge Test

The Knowledge Test for Inspection Authorization is different from any of the other FAA certification test in that you must get permission to take the test by having a personal interview with an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) in your local FSDO.

Steps For Taking the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test

We appreciate feedback from individuals who have taken their Inspection Authorization test so we may continually make improvements to this publication.

  1. Contact your local FSDO to make an appointment to interview with an ASI (airworthiness) to determine your eligibility to take the test.
  2. When the ASI is satisfied that you have met all of the requirements for IA, furnish positive proof of identification and complete FAA Form 8610-1, Mechanic's Application for Inspection Authorization.
  3. Register with the computer testing designee at the test center indicated by the ASI to schedule a test and make financial arrangements for test payment.
  4. You will not need to take (nor will you be allowed to carry in) any of your IA reference material to the test center; however, you will need proper identification.
  5. Before you take the actual test, you will have the option to take a sample test. Since there is no time limit on the sample test, be sure to work through it completely. It will not only help you become familiar with the computer testing, but will also provide valuable information concerning charts and graphs referenced on the test and included in the Computer Testing Supplement for Inspection Authorization. Finally, it will help you understand how to "flag" questions you want to research and return to later. This is an important feature that prevents you from getting bogged down on a particular question, and instead allows you to keep up your momentum. The actual test is time-limited; however, you should have sufficient time to complete and review your test.
  6. Make a chart of your progress as you go through the test. This chart has four columns with the first labeled "Question Number" and runs 1-50. The second is labeled "Finished." The third is labeled "Review In." The last column is labeled "Calculation Required." The object is to help you keep track of what you have completed and which questions need more attention. If you run through the actual test using this method without stopping to research anything, you may find you have a large portion of the test completed with a high degree of confidence. For questions that you know you must research such as ADs or TCDS data, put that reference information in the third column and come back to it later. Sometimes, more than one question will direct you to the same reference material. This way you minimize lost time in redundant searches. Finally, you should use any remaining time for doing the computation questions, such as weight and balance, and rivet-spacing.
  7. Upon completion of the test, you will receive your Airman Test Report with the testing center's embossed seal, which reflects your score. This test report lists the subject matter knowledge codes (SMKC) for questions answered incorrectly. Study the SMKC references to increase your knowledge of the subject matter.
  8. You will be given 10 minutes to review any questions you missed (without the answer choices or your selected answer). This is helpful for determining where future study and learning can be focused.
  9. The minimum passing score is 70; however, if you fail the test you must wait 90 days before you are allowed to retest. Because the 8610-1 form is only good for a period of 30 days, you will have to complete a new form and have your local FSDO again approve you for testing. You must also pay the testing center for this second test.
  10. After passing the test, present your Airman Test Report to an ASI at the FSDO where you interviewed. It is best to return to the original interviewer if possible; however, any available ASI can complete the authorization process. At that time, the ASI will again review your application and discuss any questions you may have. When the ASI is satisfied that you have met all of the requirements, your IA certificate will be issued.

Description of the IA Knowledge Test

The test contains 50 objective multiple-choice type questions, each of which can be answered by the selection of a single response. Each test question is independent of any other questions; therefore, a correct response to one does not depend upon, or influence the correct response to another.

The maximum time allowed for the test is 3 hours. This time is based on previous experience and is considered more than adequate if you are properly prepared.

At the test center, you will be provided with the latest revision of CT-8080-8. This supplement is the only reference you may use and contains excerpts from the applicable parts of the Federal Regulations (14 CFR), representative Airworthiness Directives, charts and diagrams from pertinent Advisory Circulars, and examples of Type Certificate Data Sheets and Specifications and pertinent FAA forms. Before you start the test, take a few minutes to look through the supplement to familiarize yourself with its contents.

Carefully read the information and instructions given with the tests, as well as the introductory statements in each test item.

When taking a test, keep the following points in mind:

Note: Sometimes a test will have more than 50 questions. This occurs when the FAA includes additional new "sample" questions for determining user understanding and validating properly-worded questions. Usually there are no more than five of these. Do not assume that the last five questions are the additional sample questions. Instead, they are randomly placed throughout the test, so you must answer all questions to the best of your ability. These additional questions will not count towards your final score, but if you leave any blank they will be counted against you.

Test Aids You May Use

The IA Knowledge Test requires you to analyze all of the variables needed to solve the problems. When solving problems involving mathematical calculation you are tested on concepts rather than rote calculation ability. This allows you to use certain calculators, computers, or similar devices designed for aviation-related activities provided they are used within these guidelines.

Cheating or Other Unauthorized Conduct

Computer testing centers follow strict security procedures to avoid test compromise. These procedures are established by the FAA and are covered in FAA Order 8080.6, Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests. The FAA has directed all testing centers to terminate a test at any time a test proctor suspects a cheating incident has occurred. An FAA investigation will then follow. If the investigation determines that cheating or other unauthorized conduct has occurred, any airman certificate that you hold may be revoked, and you may not be allowed to take a test for one year.

Retesting Procedures

If you fail the IA Knowledge Test, you may not apply for retesting until 90 days after the date that you failed the test. Any attempt to retest prior to the 90-day waiting period is contrary to 14 CFR Part 65, and could result in revocation of any airman certificates that you hold.

Preparation for the IA Knowledge Test

Aviation Supplies & Academics has a comprehensive array of books to prepare you for the IA test:

ASA-FAR-AMT Federal Aviation Regulations for Aviation Maintenance Technicians

This volume contains reprints of pertinent parts of 14 CFR and ACs that apply to aviation maintenance.
ASA-IA Inspection Authorization Test Prep

Contains explanations of the documents used in the IA Knowledge Test with example questions similar to those that will be on the test.
AC 43.13-1B/2B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices-Aircraft Inspection, Repair, and Alterations

This single volume contains reprints of both of these essential Advisory Circulars. The procedures and techniques described are acceptable for inspections, repairs, and alterations but may not necessarily be used as approved data unless specifically approved by an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector.
FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook

Provides information on determining the empty weight and EWCG of an aircraft, and information on loading and operating an aircraft to keep the weight and CG within allowable limits.
ASA-DAT Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms

A comprehensive dictionary of aeronautical terms and abbreviations.
ASA-MHB Aviation Mechanics Handbook

A handy toolbox-sized reference manual of charts, tables, diagrams, formulas, and other information useful to the aircraft mechanic.
ASA-AMG General Test Guide
ASA-AMA Airframe Test Guide
ASA-AMP Powerplant Test Guide

These three volumes contain answers, and explanations for all the questions that may be asked on the mechanic knowledge tests. They are a good source of review for the basic core knowledge questions that may be asked on the IA test.
CT-8080-8 Computer Testing Supplement for Inspection Authorization

This large loose-leaf notebook is the same as that furnished for use during the IA Knowledge Test, and contains the necessary excerpts and figures for the test questions. All of the pertinent information, tables, charts, and figures in this expensive test supplement are included in the other materials listed here.

Studying for the IA Knowledge Test

The computer-based IA test is straightforward, but you should prepare for it to the best of your ability. Here are some specific suggestions for studying for this test.

Learning Statement Codes

When you take the applicable airman knowledge test required for an airman pilot certificate or rating, you will receive an Airman Knowledge Test Report. The test report will list “learning statement codes” (LSC) for questions you answered incorrectly. Match the code given on your test report to the ones in the list of official FAA Learning Statement Codes (shown below). The Airman Knowledge Test Report must be presented to the examiner conducting the practical test. This examiner may evaluate the noted areas of deficiency.

The expression “learning statement,” as used in airman testing, refers to measurable statements of knowledge that a student should be able to demonstrate following a certain segment of training. In order that each learning statement may be read and understood as a complete sentence, precede each LSC with the words: “Upon the successful completion of training the student should be able to…”—then complete the phrase with the subject indicated by the LSC given in your knowledge test results.

FAA Learning Statement Codes are prefixed with a letter-identifier (for example, IAR031). For the purposes of reference within this IA Test Prep, the letter prefix is omitted; therefore throughout the book in the reference lines, LSCs are referred to by their number-identifiers only, in parentheses.

The FAA appreciates testing experience feedback. You can contact the branch responsible for the FAA Knowledge Exams directly at:

Federal Aviation Administration
AFS-630, Airman Test Standards Branch
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Email: AFS630comments@faa.gov

LSC

Subject area

IAR001

Calculate alteration specification

IAR002

Calculate center of gravity

IAR003

Calculate electrical load

IAR004

Calculate proof loading

IAR005

Calculate repair specific

IAR006

Calculate sheet metal repair

IAR007

Calculate temperature conversion

IAR008

Calculate weight and balance—adjust weight/fuel

IAR009

Determine alteration parameters

IAR010

Determine alteration requirements

IAR011

Determine correct data

IAR012

Determine data application

IAR013

Determine design specific

IAR014

Determine fabrication specification

IAR015

Determine process specific

IAR016

Determine regulatory requirement

IAR017

Determine regulatory requirements

IAR018

Determine repair parameters

IAR019

Determine repair requirements

IAR020

Interpret data

IAR021

Interpret regulations

IAR022

Recall alteration/design fundamentals

IAR023

Recall engine repair fundamentals

IAR024

Recall fundamental inspection principles—airframe/engine

IAR025

Recall MEL requirements

IAR026

Recall principles of corrosion control

IAR027

Recall principles of sheet metal forming

IAR028

Recall principles of system fundamentals

IAR029

Recall principles of weight and balance

IAR030

Recall regulatory requirements

IAR031

Recall regulatory specific

IAR032

Recall repair fundamentals