AOPA has requested an additional 60 days to study and comment on a proposed revision of the policy the FAA uses to qualify aviation mechanics for inspection authority (IA).
The FAA proposed modifying the definition “actively engaged” as it is used to evaluate experience of airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics who apply for IA certification. The FAA announced the planned revision in a notice of proposed policy Nov. 5.
Numerous members have contacted AOPA to voice their concerns since AOPA first reported the proposal.
AOPA believes that more time is needed to fully investigate the implications of the proposal, gather feedback from all those affected, and develop a meaningful response, wrote Kristine Hartzell, AOPA manager of regulatory affairs, in a Nov. 22 letter to the Department of Transportation.
“AOPA wants to ensure that any policy clarification includes inspector authorization renewals for those A&P mechanics who maintain aircraft part time or occasionally, including IAs who maintain their own aircraft, teach or supervise others in aircraft maintenance, specialize in particular aircraft type, historic or vintage aircraft, or operate in remote locations,” Hartzell said.
The current comment period is set to expire on Dec. 6.
