Who can sign off or approve for return to service the various phases of a progressive inspection?

Who can sign off or approve for return to service the various phases of a progressive inspection?

• A. a certified repair technician
• B. the aircraft owner
• C. the pilot in command
• D. an A&P with an IA

Answer: (D)

The ability to sign off for return to service after maintenance, especially in a progressive inspection, rests with an FAA-certified mechanic who also holds Inspection Authorization (IA). In a progressive inspection, the aircraft is examined in phases, and after each phase the work must be verified and approved to release the airplane back to service. An A&P with IA has the authority to perform or supervise the inspections and to officially sign the maintenance records as released for return to service. The aircraft owner cannot sign off airworthiness, and the pilot in command does not have the authority to release the aircraft after maintenance. A non-certified repair technician does not have the required FAA authority to approve return to service.

The ability to sign off for return to service after maintenance, especially in a progressive inspection, rests with an FAA-certified mechanic who also holds Inspection Authorization (IA). In a progressive inspection, the aircraft is examined in phases, and after each phase the work must be verified and approved to release the airplane back to service. An A&P with IA has the authority to perform or supervise the inspections and to officially sign the maintenance records as released for return to service. The aircraft owner cannot sign off airworthiness, and the pilot in command does not have the authority to release the aircraft after maintenance. A non-certified repair technician does not have the required FAA authority to approve return to service.