identify the inspector, are used in place of signatures to certify completion of inspections on maintenance documents and in place of initials where use of initials is specifically authorized. The QA division closely controls these stamps. Once a QA stamp is turned in by an inspector, either due to transfer or loss of qualifications, it may not be reassigned within a period of 3 months. Q19. Q20. Q21. Q22. Q23. Q24. Who has the responsibility to review MDRs, NALCOMIS reports, and VIDS/MAFS to determine discrepancy trends and specific problem areas? Under normal circumstances, what paygrade is usually assigned as a QAR? How long may a CDQAR be assigned to a work center without having to notify the aircraft controlling custodian? When may a CDI inspect his own work and sign as inspector? When a deployment period is more than 90 days and all requirements for assigning QA personnel have been met by the detachment, who may designate QA personnel? What is used to annotate an inspection on a VIDS/MAF in place of a signature at an AIMD? QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTIONS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the types of quality assurance inspections. QA inspections are essential elements of an effective QA program. To comply with assigned responsibilities, QA personnel perform the following QA inspections: Mandatory QA inspections specified in maintenance instruction manuals (MIMs), TDs, and local MIs. Those inspections required to be conducted by QA personnel during and/or upon the completion of a maintenance action. QA maintenance requirements cards (MRCs) provided for all maintenance tasks that, if improperly performed, could cause equipment failure or jeopardize the safety of personnel. The "QA" appearing on MRCs signifies that a QA function is required. Local commands must determine and designate, in writing, by annotating the master and the work center decks, whether a QAR, CDQAR, or CDI performs the QA functions listed in the MRCs. QA inspections are performed during or after task performance. If the proper performance of a task cannot be determined after the task is completed, a QA inspection is required while the task is being performed. Work cannot proceed past the inspection point indicated on the task MRC without the approval of the inspector. For these inspections, the notation "QA Required" appears on the MRC containing the task. If the proper performance of a task can be determined by a visual inspection after the task was completed, a QA inspection is required after task completion. Each work center sets up procedures to ensure that the QA inspection requirements are complied with during all maintenance evolutions. With these procedures developed, inspections normally fall into one of the three following inspection areas. RECEIVING OR SCREENING INSPEC- TIONS. These inspections apply to material, components, parts, equipment, logs and records, and documents. CDIs normally conduct these inspections to determine the condition of material, proper identification, maintenance requirements, disposition, and accuracy of accompanying records and documents. IN-PROCESS INSPECTIONS. These inspections are specific QA functions that are required during the performance of maintenance requirements and actions when satisfactory task performance cannot be determined after the task has been completed. When designated, these inspections include witnessing application of torque, functional testing, adjusting, assembling, servicing, installation, and similar tasks. FINAL INSPECTIONS. These inspections comprise specific QA functions performed following the completion of a task or series of tasks. QA inspection of work areas following task accomplishment by several different personnel is an example of a final inspection. In-process and Final Inspections CDIs normally conduct these inspections; however, QARs and CDQARs must conduct in-process and final inspections of all tasks that require the aircraft to have a functional check flight (FCF) in an O-level maintenance activity. QARs and CDQARs also must perform inspections of maintenance tasks involving egress systems, personnel parachutes, and flotation devices when the affected mechanism or function of that equipment is not reinspected or 6-13