Federal Register #FAA20266671

FAA Proposed Rule: Mechanic Inspection Rating Replaces Inspection Authorization

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing a regulatory change affecting certificated mechanics: - The FAA proposes to replace the current Inspection Authorization (IA) with a new Inspection Rating (IR) on mechanic certificates - The IR will provide the same privileges and limitations as the IA - The IR will not require periodic renewal or have an expiration date - Mechanics must hold both airframe and powerplant ratings for at least three years to be eligible for the IR - Ongoing recent experience activities are required annually to maintain IR privileges - If recent experience lapses, privileges can be reestablished via refresher courses or oral tests - A 24-month transition period is provided for current IA holders to convert to the IR - A six-month grace period is included for recent experience compliance after transition - The proposal aims to streamline certification, reduce administrative burdens and costs, and maintain safety standards - No products or commercial services are being procured; this is a regulatory change - The FAA is the only OEM or vendor mentioned

Description

The FAA proposes to amend regulations for certificated mechanics by replacing the inspection authorization with an inspection rating on a mechanic's certificate, similar to existing airframe and powerplant ratings. The inspection rating would carry the same privileges and limitations as the inspection authorization but would not require renewal or have an expiration date. Certificated mechanics with inspection ratings would need to complete rolling recent experience activities to exercise their privileges. These changes aim to streamline maintenance of inspection privileges, increase FAA efficiency, reduce paperwork, and reduce regulatory burdens.

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