REFLECTOR: Ramp check

[nmflyer1 at aol.com]

>From AOPA:  



Pilots are expected to conduct flights safely and remain in compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA conducts "ramp checks" to ensure pilots maintain these expectations. Though generally straightforward, some ramp checks end up with enforcement actions against the pilot. This subject report provides guidance and suggestions on how to properly handle an FAA ramp check.
A typical check involves the inspection of the pilot's airman and medical certificates and aircraft paperwork and an exterior inspection of an aircraft. The inspector may use a "Job Aid" during the inspection; this aid helps demystify the expectations. A cooperative and diplomatic attitude will usually result in a positive ramp inspection.
An FAA ramp check may occur when an inspector:

Observes an unsafe operation in the traffic pattern or in the ramp.
Is notified by ATC of an unsafe operation.
Conducts normal surveillance.

The typical ramp inspection for most noncommercial operations is during normal surveillance. The aviation safety inspector will usually present identification before conducting a ramp inspection. If you suspect you are subject of a ramp inspection and the individual does not present identification, you may ask for it, and the inspector is required to present it.
The check basically involves a review of the airman and the aircraft. The findings from both are usually noted on the FAR Part 91 Ramp Inspection Job Aid.
The inspector is not authorized to detain you if it means missing a flight or making an engagement. They may only keep you long enough to check the required paperwork.
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 pilot certificate is inspected to ensure the airman has the proper certificate and ratings for operations conducted, such as instrument operations requiring an instrument rating on the pilot's certificate. The medical is checked for proper class; conducting commercial operations requires at least a second class medical. If applicable, the logbook will be checked for records of currency (e.g., flight review, instrument currency, and landings and takeoffs for passengers).
The inspector is not authorized to board your aircraft without the knowledge of the crew. They may inspect the exterior and look through windows.
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.

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.
Keep in an easily referenced location at least the following information: 
Your medical and pilot certificate.
Logbook (only for student pilots).
Airworthiness certificate (displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance (91.203[b]).
Aircraft registration.
Approved flight manual or operating handbook.
Weight and balance data.
Current charts appropriate for flight (VFR and IFR).


If the ramp check is due to a possible violation, anything you say or do may be used against you.
If you have enrolled in AOPA's Legal Services Plan, call AOPA's Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA immediately. The consequences for even minor infractions can be far more serious than you might think. If you have not enrolled in AOPA's Legal Services Plan, call AOPA to speak with an aviation specialist about how best to proceed.
For more information, read FAA Order 8700.1, Chapter 56, Conduct A FAR Part 91 Ramp Inspection and AOPA's Overview of FAA Enforcement.



-----Original Message-----
From: Ron VelocityXLFG <velocityxl at fastmail.fm>
To: reflector <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Tue, May 22, 2012 2:46 pm
Subject: REFLECTOR: Ramp check



What happens at a ramp check?
What if you do not have all your papers in order?
Ron


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