Getting started with the Gleim Inspection Authorization Renewal Course

Open Letter from R. Kurt Barnhardt, Ph.D., Initial Co-author of IARC

Gleim Inspection Authorization Renewal Course Study Units

1. Aircraft Wood Structure Inspection
2. 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart E - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations
3. FAR 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
4. Aircraft Landing Gear Inspection
5. Aircraft Weight and Balance
6. Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance
7. Propeller Inspection
8. Internet Resources for the IA
9. Security and Safety in the Workplace
10. Part 43 Advisory Circulars and the Aviation Maintenance Alerts System
11. Aircraft Fabric Inspection
12. Corrosion Control for Aircraft
13. Visual Inspection of Aircraft
14. Aircraft Composites and Plastics Inspection
15. Non-Destructive Aircraft Inspection
16. Airworthiness Directives
17. Recruiting, Supervising, and Mentoring Aviation Maintenance Technicians
18. Aviation Maintenance Alerts
19. Fabrication and Replacement of Parts by Maintenance Personnel
20. Hardware and Control Cables Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I take the study units in any order?
  Yes, but once you start a study unit, you have to complete that study unit before continuing.
• Can I skip the true/false part since its score doesn't count?
  No. IARC is set up so that you have to take the true/false questions. The true/false questions are there to help you pass by focusing on areas you need to improve.
• What happens if I fail a final quiz?
  Failing a final quiz twice in a row causes you to be locked out. You must then contact Gleim for further directions.
• Do I have to be an IA holder to take this course?
  No, you can take it for your own learning and development.
• What requirements do I need to satisfy in order to pass the course?
  Each of 8 study units ends with a 10-question multiple choice quiz. You must pass each of these quizzes with a score of 70% or better. Once you complete any 8 study units, print your certificate, and you're done with the course.
• What if I have a question or need to speak to someone?
  We're available at support@gleim.com or (800) 874-5346. You can give us feedback about your experience with the course or ask questions. We want you to enjoy the course and be completely confident when it comes to radio communication.

Duration

You must complete the IARC prior to March 31st on any given year to maintain your IA certification. Access to your course will expire on April 1st, regardless of when you have purchased the course. (If you purchase the course on October 1st, your course will expire on April 1st the following year. Similarly, if you purchase the course on March 30th, your course will still expire on April 1st, 2 days later.)

Refund

A full refund is available if you have accessed no more than two lessons within 30 days of purchase.

Renewal Requirements

The FAA is changing Sec. 65.93 to provide that:

The renewal period for an inspection authorization is changed to every two years, from April 1 of each odd-numbered year to March 31 of the next odd-numbered year.

IA privileges are exercised across two, one year periods. Each period has an activity (work performed, training, or oral examination) requirement.

During March of every odd-numbered year, an applicant for renewal must present evidence to the FAA of meeting the inspection authorization renewal requirements of Sec. 65.93(a).

To maintain currency and ensure a consistent level of safety, IA holders must fulfill one of the activities of Sec. 65.93(a)(1) through (5) during the first year of the 2-year IA period.

If an IA holder does not complete the activity requirement by March 31 of the first year of the 2-year IA period, the IA holder may not exercise the privileges of the authorization after that date. The IA holder may resume exercising inspection authorization privileges during the second year of the 2-year IA period after the IA holder passes an oral test. That test is administered by an FAA inspector to determine that the IA holder's knowledge of applicable regulations and standards is current. Upon passing the oral test, the IA holder will be deemed in compliance with the first year activity (work performed, training, or oral examination) requirement. Alternatively, the IA holder may surrender the inspection authorization and retake the IA examination without a waiting period before re-examination.

Gleim Recap for IAs:

1. In the past, you met your IA renewal requirements annually and renewed your IA with the FAA on or before March 31 each year.
2. The renewal requirements DO NOT CHANGE. YOU MUST complete an 8-hour course or meet other requirements before March 31 EACH AND EVERY YEAR.
3. You renew with the FAA in odd numbered years only.
4. Call 800-874-5346 ext. 471 with any questions.

How to renew your IA

If you are required to renew this year, please follow the steps below.
NOTE: You will be sending graduation certificates and filling out the 8610-1 form for BOTH years.

Renewal usually can be done conveniently at home by following these steps:

• Print and completely fill out FAA Form 8610-1, called "MECHANIC'S APPLICATION FOR INSPECTION AUTHORIZATION".
• Print your Gleim IARC Graduation Certificate.
• Mail the completed Form 8610-1, your Graduation Certificate, and your IA card (FAA Form 8310-5) to your local FSDO. (We recommend that you send it as certified mail and KEEP A COPY for your protection, to provide an extra layer of security.)
• Some FSDOs and/or some inspectors may require you to appear in person at your FSDO. This will probably be true if you are NOT known at your FSDO.

FAA Approval Letter

Gleim is the first-ever online IARC authorized by the FAA to issue certificates of training upon completion of our program, which can be used for IA renewal. Please see our FAA Letter of Approval for details.