What must an inspection authorization holder perform or supervise during the year of authorization to be eligible for renewal?

The correct answer is that an inspection authorization holder must perform or supervise a progressive inspection during the year of authorization to be eligible for renewal. This requirement is outlined in the regulations governing inspection authority. A progressive inspection is a systematic method that breaks down the inspection process into segments that can be completed at various stages of an aircraft's maintenance cycle.

This ensures that the inspection authorization holder remains engaged with the aircraft inspection process and maintains a level of expertise and familiarity with current standards and practices. The focus on progressive inspections emphasizes ongoing supervision and hands-on maintenance experience, which is crucial to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.

Other options involve requirements that might not align with the renewal criteria for inspection authorization. While the performance of annual inspections, major repairs, and inspections of major alterations are all important in maintaining airworthiness and operational safety, they are not specified as renewal criteria for the inspection authorization holder in the same way that progressive inspections are.