The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The impact of this virus has caused multiple states and cities within the United States to take action by reducing or limiting public gatherings, which includes the closure of multiple aviation facilities in various locations. These closures have affected some IA activities for renewals and FAA offices that provide IA seminars and other renewal activities.
During the pandemic, the FAA published a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) -118, providing temporary relief to persons who have been unable to meet certain requirements during the national emergency concerning COVID-19. Please select the following link to refer to SFAR-118 [Docket No.: FAA-2020-0446]
Additionally, under the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak, the FAA is extending the relief granted by SFAR 100-2 by an additional three calendar months for eligible persons who returned to the U.S. from deployment in October 2019 through March 2020. This relief will enable those persons to complete the requirements of paragraph 2. (c) within nine calendar months after returning to the United States. If a person returns from deployment after March 2020, that person must comply with SFAR-100-2. Please select the following link to refer to SFAR-100-2 [Docket No.: FAA-2020-22004]
In Response to COVID-19 pandemic, CDC recommendations, and Flight Standards office closures or reduced staffing, Flight Standards has provided the following options in support of the Inspection Authorization (IA) renewals for calendar year 2021.
This year, renewal letters may be issued. The renewal letter and the expired FAA Form 8310-5 establishes the renewal for an IA holder until the next renewal year of 2023 or until your FAA Form 8310-5 is endorsed and dated as prescribed in 14 CFR 65.95. The IA holder is required to have this letter available while exercising the privileges and limitations of an Inspection Authorization. Additionally, IA holders may select any of the available options to submit their IA renewal application to the FAA.
There are five options for IAs to renew:
1. In Office Renewal by Appointment.
2. Renewal by Mail.
3. Renewal by Electronic Mail (email).
4. Renewal by Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA).
5. Renewal by Oral Test (virtual).
Please select the following link to refer to Inspection Authorization Renewals for Calendar Year 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic R1
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Feb/Inspection_Authorization_Renewals_for_Calendar_Year_2021_due_to_the_COVID-19_Pandemic_R1.pdf
Please select the following link to refer to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application for the Inspection Authorization Holder.
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Feb/Integrated_Airman_Certification_and_Rating_Application_-_Inspection_Authorization_Holder_r1.pdf
If you have any additional questions regarding this memorandum, please contact the Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300, at (202) 267-1675.
