Tech Counselor Report

By Jerry Sorrell, Tech Counselor

What is one of the fears that pilots have if they see an FAA inspector headed in the direction of their aircraft?

It could be.......... THE RAMP CHECK!   This could happen if the FAA:

Observes an unsafe operation in the traffic pattern or in the ramp.
Is notified by ATC of an unsafe operation.
Conducts normal surveillance.
The information that follows comes from the AOPA web site and I thought it useful as an educational tool.

The  FAA inspector may use a "Job Aid" during the inspection; this aid helps demystify the expectations. As a pilot, your  cooperative attitude will usually result in a positive ramp inspection. The inspector must provide identification.

If requested, the pilot is required to present his or her pilot and medical certificates and, if applicable, the logbook. Logbooks are required for the following flights:

Student pilots are required to carry logbooks on all solo cross-country flights.
Sport pilots are required to carry logbooks or other evidence of required instructor endorsements on all flights.  Recreational pilots are required to carry logbooks with required instructor endorsements on all solo flights that exceed 50 nm from the airport at which the training was received; within the airspace that requires communication with ATC; between sunset and sunrise; or in an aircraft for which the pilot is not appropriately rated in the category and class.
Flight instructors with sport pilot ratings must carry their logbooks or other evidence of endorsements on all flights when providing flight training.  All other pilots are advised to keep their logbooks at home. Don't be alarmed if the inspector begins noting this information on his Job Aid. Presenting the documentation is required but not physically releasing the documents.

The inspector is authorized to inspect:

The airworthiness certificate.    The aircraft registration.   The operating handbook.  The weight and balance information.  The minimum equipment list (if applicable).  Aeronautical charts (if applicable).  The general airworthiness of the aircraft.  The ELT battery.  A VOR check.  The seats/safety belts. ( If your annual condition inspection is complete and current, this paperwork should be no problem.)

 AOPA suggests cooperating with the inspectors, and the following may help reduce the time and scope of the inspection:

Be courteous and cooperative.   Be busy; FAA inspectors are not authorized to delay you for any great length of time.  Do not volunteer more information than is absolutely required. 
Have you ever had a ramp check?  Do you have a story to tell?  Have you ever seen the Job Aid the FAA inspector may use for the ramp check? Take a look:
 
http://fsims.faa.gov/WDocs/8700.1%20GA%20Ops%20Insp%20Handbk/Volume%202/2_056_00.htm