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FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test (IAR) focuses on inspection and maintenance decisions made by an Inspection Authorization holder. The available practice questions sample airworthiness determinations involving structural corrosion, repair classification, recurring discrepancies, approved parts, Airworthiness Directive compliance, maintenance data, and return-to-service records.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeIAR
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test Exam

IAR practice requires applying maintenance rules and technical evidence to specific aircraft conditions. Questions ask you to distinguish major from minor repairs, identify the regulatory criteria relevant to that decision, and assess whether a proposed repair follows applicable data—especially when materials differ from the original structure. Other scenarios call for checking a replacement part’s eligibility, confirming that an AD applies and documenting compliance, or verifying that maintenance instructions are current for the aircraft model. Inspection judgment also includes evaluating structural corrosion, tracing recurring logbook discrepancies, and selecting checks that can reveal hydraulic leaks under operating pressure. These tasks connect technical inspection findings with the records and reasoning needed to support an airworthiness determination and a valid return-to-service entry.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

During an inspection, an IA finds corrosion on a primary structural member. Which action best supports a defensible airworthiness determination?

  1. AAssess the location and extent using applicable structural inspection data and determine whether approved corrective action is needed.
  2. BCover the area with primer immediately and consider the issue resolved.
  3. CCompare the corrosion only with damage seen on unrelated aircraft types.
  4. DAccept it if no crack is visible without cleaning or further examination.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Structural corrosion must be evaluated for location, extent, and effect on the member using applicable data. Coating over corrosion or relying on a superficial visual check may conceal damage rather than establish serviceability.

Question 2

An IA is determining whether a repair is classified as major or minor under the applicable maintenance rules. Which reference is the best place to check the regulatory criteria?

  1. AThe definitions and classification criteria in 14 CFR Part 1 and Part 43, including Appendix A to Part 43
  2. BThe aircraft's minimum equipment list
  3. CThe pilot's operating handbook performance charts
  4. DThe aircraft registration certificate
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The regulatory definitions and the major repair and alteration classifications in Part 43 provide the relevant criteria. The other documents serve different purposes and do not establish repair classification.

Question 3

A recurring discrepancy appears in an aircraft logbook after several repairs. What is the most useful first step in evaluating the recurrence?

  1. AReview the history and prior corrective actions, then assess the system using applicable troubleshooting information.
  2. BRepeat the most recent repair without examining its result.
  3. CErase earlier entries so the current discrepancy is easier to identify.
  4. DReplace the entire system automatically, regardless of findings.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A recurring discrepancy warrants review of its history and previous corrective actions. Systematic troubleshooting using applicable maintenance information helps identify an unresolved cause rather than simply repeating a repair.

Question 4

An IA needs to determine whether a proposed maintenance procedure is current and applicable to a particular aircraft model. Which approach is most reliable?

  1. AUse the latest applicable manufacturer maintenance instructions and verify the model and configuration covered
  2. BUse any procedure from an aircraft with a similar appearance
  3. CRely on an old personal copy without checking its revision status
  4. DUse a procedure from an unrelated component because the task seems similar
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Maintenance instructions should be applicable to the product and configuration and checked for currency. Similarity alone does not establish applicability, and obsolete or unrelated procedures may omit important requirements.

Question 5

Before approving an aircraft for return to service after maintenance, what is the primary purpose of the required maintenance record entry?

  1. ATo document the work performed, the completion date, and the approval or disapproval for return to service as applicable
  2. BTo certify that the aircraft will remain airworthy until its next annual inspection
  3. CTo replace the aircraft's operating limitations
  4. DTo transfer ownership of the aircraft to the person who performed the work
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Under 14 CFR §43.9, a maintenance record entry identifies the work performed, its completion date, and the applicable approval for return to service or signature information. It documents specific work; it is not a guarantee of future airworthiness.

Question 6

An IA reviews a proposed repair that uses a different material from the original structure. What should guide the evaluation of that repair?

  1. AApplicable approved repair data that addresses material compatibility, design, and required processes.
  2. BThe repairer’s experience alone, without technical documentation.
  3. CA similar-looking repair on another aircraft, regardless of model or configuration.
  4. DThe availability and lower cost of the substitute material.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Material substitutions can affect strength, corrosion behavior, and repair performance. The repair should be supported by applicable approved data addressing the material and process; appearance or cost is not a sufficient technical basis.

Question 7

An IA is checking whether a proposed replacement part is eligible for installation on a certificated aircraft. Which evidence most directly supports that the part is approved for that installation?

  1. AA seller's statement that the part is equivalent in appearance
  2. BA maintenance entry showing the part was used on a different aircraft
  3. CApplicable approved design data and evidence of the part's eligibility and conformity
  4. DA verbal assurance from the aircraft owner
Show answerCorrect answer: C

A replacement part must be eligible for the specific aircraft and conform to applicable approved design data. Eligibility and conformity are established through appropriate records and approved data, not merely similarity, prior use, or verbal assurances.

How to use this practice test

The free IAR practice bank contains 50 published questions. Each session presents up to 20 questions selected at random, then displays results after you finish. Use the results to identify which maintenance decisions need another pass, such as repair classification, AD compliance, approved-part evidence, or inspection findings.

Preparation tips

  • For repair-classification scenarios, compare the described work with the regulatory criteria for major and minor repairs rather than relying on the repair’s size alone.
  • When evaluating a proposed repair or maintenance procedure, identify the aircraft model and determine whether the technical data applies to that configuration and material.
  • For Airworthiness Directive questions, separate applicability from compliance: establish that the directive covers the aircraft or component, then check the required action and supporting record.
  • Practice tracing recurring logbook discrepancies back through prior repairs and inspection findings before selecting a corrective action.
  • For system-inspection scenarios, consider the conditions under which a fault may appear; a hydraulic leak may require a check with the system pressurized.
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