Who may perform an airframe major repair or alteration?

The correct choice is that a certificated mechanic with the appropriate rating is authorized to perform airframe major repairs or alterations. This is because the FAA establishes specific regulations that require repair and alteration work to be conducted by individuals who are trained, tested, and certified to ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards.

Certificated mechanics possess the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complexities of airframe structures and systems, and they hold ratings that signify their capability to work on specific components or types of aircraft. This certification process includes examinations and practical assessments, ensuring that only qualified individuals can perform significant repairs or modifications to an airframe.

In contrast, a non-certificated mechanic is not authorized to undertake such tasks, as they lack the formal training and certification that ensure adherence to safety regulations. Repair stations must hold proper certifications from the FAA to perform major repairs; otherwise, they cannot legally carry out these operations. While inspectors authorized by the FAA play a crucial role in overseeing compliance, they do not perform the repairs themselves but rather ensure that repair work done meets regulatory requirements.