MX question.

Is there a difference between an AP signing off, and an IA signing off on work performed?

An IA (Inspection Authorization) is an additional rating for an A&P. The IA is a designee of the FAA to perform inspections and approve certain items for return to service (simplified explanation).

For your example in the OP, you need only an A&P.
 
An IA (Inspection Authorization) is an additional rating for an A&P. The IA is a designee of the FAA to perform inspections and approve certain items for return to service (simplified explanation).

For your example in the OP, you need only an A&P.

Thanks. I knew it was an add on to the AP, but wasn't sure what it authorized the holder to do in addition to the normal AP duties. I thought the IA was mainly for annual inspections.
 
Thanks. I knew it was an add on to the AP, but wasn't sure what it authorized the holder to do in addition to the normal AP duties. I thought the IA was mainly for annual inspections.

The IA endorsement enables the mechanic to perform annual inspections and to sign off on major repairs and alterations including signing off on STCs. FYI, engine overhaul is considered a minor repair while replacing extensive fabric on a wing or fuselage is considered a major repair. As a general rule, if a repair or alteration involves welding, or a design change such as adding a seam on a metal wing, then it will require a form 337 and and an IA sign off.
 
Thanks. I knew it was an add on to the AP, but wasn't sure what it authorized the holder to do in addition to the normal AP duties. I thought the IA was mainly for annual inspections.

More or less.

It's just easier to create a good relationship with one AP instead of two (AP & APIA).

When I found my guy I made sure he was good with owner assist stuff and 185s before I even used him for the prebuy.
 
The overhaul itself isn't a major repair, but certain things that may need to be done during the overhaul may be. Presumably the overhaul shop has an IA if required.

Anyhow, rehanging an overhauled engine (no matter what was done to it) isn't a major anything.
 
The overhaul itself isn't a major repair, but certain things that may need to be done during the overhaul may be. Presumably the overhaul shop has an IA if required.

The only items requiring an IA on an engine overhaul are intergal super chargers and prop gearboxes.


Anyhow, rehanging an overhauled engine (no matter what was done to it) isn't a major anything.

True.
 
The only items requiring an IA on an engine overhaul are intergal super chargers and prop gearboxes.
Agreed, you omitted "special repairs to structural engine parts by welding, plating, metalizing, or other methods."

But my point was the overhaul shop is the one who will have the IA to sign that off typically, not the guy returning the airframe to service.
 
The only items requiring an IA on an engine overhaul are intergal super chargers and prop gearboxes.

In addition, lots of engine STC alterations out there, any one of them could be installed at overhaul. In that case the engine should come with a 337 completed except maybe blocks 1 & 2.
 
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