Who is allowed to inspect and approve an engine major repair for return to service?

Who is allowed to inspect and approve an engine major repair for return to service?

• A. Certificated mechanic with inspection authorization.
• B. Aircraft maintenance technician
• C. Mechanic's assistant
• D. Manufacturer's representative

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that returning an engine from a major repair to service requires an inspection by someone who has explicit authority to approve airworthiness releases. Only a certificated mechanic who also holds an Inspection Authorization (IA) has the legal authority to perform or supervise the required inspection and sign off that the work is complete and the engine is safe to return to service. This IA credential ensures the person checking the repair is trained to verify the repair meets the applicable standards and that the proper documentation is in place. Other roles don’t automatically carry that authority. A general aircraft mechanic without IA cannot legally approve a major repair for return to service. A mechanic’s assistant lacks the credentials to sign off airworthiness. A manufacturer's representative, unless they also hold the appropriate FAA certificates and IA endorsement, does not have the authorized release authority required by aviation regulations. In short, the combination of a certificated mechanic with Inspection Authorization is what allows inspection and the final approval for returning an engine to service after a major repair.

The essential idea is that returning an engine from a major repair to service requires an inspection by someone who has explicit authority to approve airworthiness releases. Only a certificated mechanic who also holds an Inspection Authorization (IA) has the legal authority to perform or supervise the required inspection and sign off that the work is complete and the engine is safe to return to service. This IA credential ensures the person checking the repair is trained to verify the repair meets the applicable standards and that the proper documentation is in place.

Other roles don’t automatically carry that authority. A general aircraft mechanic without IA cannot legally approve a major repair for return to service. A mechanic’s assistant lacks the credentials to sign off airworthiness. A manufacturer's representative, unless they also hold the appropriate FAA certificates and IA endorsement, does not have the authorized release authority required by aviation regulations. In short, the combination of a certificated mechanic with Inspection Authorization is what allows inspection and the final approval for returning an engine to service after a major repair.