Who is responsible for returning an aircraft to service after a major alteration?

The responsibility for returning an aircraft to service after a major alteration falls to the holder of an inspection authorization. This individual is specifically trained and certified to assess whether the alterations comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and airworthiness standards. The A&P technician with IA privileges has the necessary expertise to perform thorough inspections and ensure that any significant changes made to the aircraft are safe and acceptable for operation.

The inspection authorization holder must verify that all required inspections have been conducted, confirm that the alterations comply with applicable technical data, and ensure that the aircraft remains in a condition for safe operation before signing it back into service.

This reflects the importance of the IA holder’s role in maintaining aviation safety and compliance within the regulatory framework.