The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Mechanic Certification: Inspection Rating and Recent Experience Requirements” in the Federal Register on July 1, 2026. This proposal outlines significant changes to how certificated mechanics maintain their inspection privileges.
Under the current system, mechanics hold an inspection authorization that requires renewal every odd-numbered year. The FAA proposes to replace this authorization with an inspection rating on the mechanic’s certificate. This new rating would operate similarly to existing airframe and powerplant ratings. It would carry the same privileges and limitations but would not have an expiration date or require renewal.
The most notable shift involves recent experience requirements. Currently, mechanics must present evidence of renewal activities each March of every odd-numbered year. The proposed rule introduces a rolling recent experience model. Mechanics would need to complete these activities independently to exercise their rating privileges. The FAA says this would align mechanic privileges and simplify keeping inspection privileges.
The FAA states these adjustments are intended to increase efficiency and save critical hours for safety-focused missions. By removing the renewal requirement, the agency expects to reduce paperwork and resource burdens for both the industry and the FAA. The agency describes these changes as deregulatory.
The FAA is accepting public comments on this proposal through August 31, 2026. The relevant docket is FAA-2026-6671, and the notice number is 26-08. The proposed changes affect several sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including Part 43 regarding maintenance, Part 61 for pilot certification, Part 65 for mechanic certification, Part 91 for operating rules, and Part 147 for aviation maintenance technician schools.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.