When does an inspection authorization become ineffective?

An inspection authorization becomes ineffective when the holder no longer has a fixed base of operation. This requirement emphasizes the necessity for IA holders to maintain a stable location for conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with regulations. The FAA mandates that IAs perform their duties from a base where they can demonstrate their capability to meet the needed standards of practice, compliance, and record-keeping. Losing a fixed base may indicate an inability to fulfill these responsibilities effectively.

While various circumstances can affect an IA's status, such as failure to meet renewal requirements or violations of regulations, these factors typically pertain to a temporary lapse in qualification or compliance rather than outright invalidating the authorization. Additionally, retiring from flying does not automatically make an IA ineffective unless it directly impacts the holder's ability to perform inspections. Therefore, the key factor in determining when an inspection authorization is ineffective is the absence of a fixed operational base.