What should an IA do if a technician disputes a determination of 'major' vs 'minor'?

What should an IA do if a technician disputes a determination of 'major' vs 'minor'?

• A. Review the data, consult with engineering or the manufacturer when needed, and make a determination based on approved criteria.
• B. Dismiss the dispute and maintain the original classification.
• C. Reclassify arbitrarily to satisfy the technician.
• D. Refer the dispute to the pilot for decision.

Answer: (A)

When a technician questions whether a discrepancy is major or minor, the IA should re-examine the data and apply the approved criteria to determine the correct classification. Review the applicable repair data, service information, and any relevant manufacturer or FAA guidance. If the determination remains unclear, consult with engineering or the manufacturer to obtain authoritative input, then document the decision and the rationale. This approach ensures consistency, safety, and compliance with approved data rather than relying on opinion or convenience. Disregarding the dispute, reclassifying arbitrarily, or involving the pilot in this technical decision are not appropriate paths. Dismissing the dispute ignores potential safety implications; arbitrary reclassification bypasses established criteria; and the pilot is not the person to decide technical classifications.

When a technician questions whether a discrepancy is major or minor, the IA should re-examine the data and apply the approved criteria to determine the correct classification. Review the applicable repair data, service information, and any relevant manufacturer or FAA guidance. If the determination remains unclear, consult with engineering or the manufacturer to obtain authoritative input, then document the decision and the rationale. This approach ensures consistency, safety, and compliance with approved data rather than relying on opinion or convenience.

Disregarding the dispute, reclassifying arbitrarily, or involving the pilot in this technical decision are not appropriate paths. Dismissing the dispute ignores potential safety implications; arbitrary reclassification bypasses established criteria; and the pilot is not the person to decide technical classifications.