The Ramp Check
To some pilots, a ramp check is a mysterious experience that
is feared and misunderstood. As an FAA Inspector, I am frequently asked many
questions about ramp checks. Who is ramp checked? Where will we be ramp
checked? Why will we be checked? Quite
simply, a ramp check takes place when an FAA Inspector checks the credentials
of an airplane and it’s pilot. The check can be random, or connected to an
incident, occurrence, or accident. Frequently, an FAA Inspector will place
himself/herself on a ramp and check every aircraft that taxies up to that
location.
The local Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) typically
have two types of Aviation Safety Inspectors that perform ramp checks:
• The Operations Inspector (a pilot)
• The Airworthiness Inspector (an A & P mechanic)
It is not uncommon for a team of two to do their
surveillance together. The Operations
Inspector checks the pilot, and the Airworthiness Inspector checks the
aircraft.
The Inspectors need to determine who is the Pilot in Command
and proceed to check for proper credentials. The necessary credentials are the
pilot certificate, current medical, and government-issued photo ID. The
Inspector might also request a copy of the PIC’s weather briefing (written or
oral), airworthiness certificate and aircraft registration. If the Inspector
opts for more information, he/she might request the pilot’s last required
flight review and to inspect the aircraft’s maintenance logs, showing annual
inspections and any other pertinent maintenance logbook entries. These requests could require a visit to the
local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) by the airman or mechanic. On
some occasions the FAA will allow these documents to be scanned and emailed, or
faxed to the office.
To be clear, these requests, once made, are not optional. If
you refer to 14 CFR Part 61.51 (i) 1,2,3,4,5; you will see that an FAA
Inspector acting on behalf of the Administrator can demand all documents and
records. Failure to produce these documents would be a violation of this Regulation.
Although we frequently perform random ramp checks, most
checks are connected with occurrences, incidents, or accidents, some of which
are very minor in nature. For example, our FSDO is located on an airport. If an
aircraft gets a flat tire while taxiing to or from a runway, we are notified.
At that point, the office will dispatch one or two Inspectors to take a look. A
ramp check is part of the investigation even if no regulation has been
obviously violated. Most times, the pilot and the aircraft are in compliance.
However, on occasion we come across an operator with an expired medical,
expired temporary aircraft registration or some other item of interest.
If a discrepancy is apparent, the Inspector will do a
complete investigation and determine if a violation exists. Violation
investigations can have different outcomes:
1. no action
2. administrative action, such as warning letters or
remedial training
3. certificate suspension
4. certificate revocation
5. 44709 reexamination
note: administrative
action, remedial training, warning letters, 44709 reexams are not considered
violations and do not need to be reported as such to employers, insurance
companies, etc.
Pilots often remark that they have been flying for many
years and have never been ramp checked. This is due to many reasons, the most
obvious being a lack of manpower on the part of the FAA. Rural, quiet airports
are not on the priority list of FAA Inspectors as a rule. However, an FAA
Inspector can show up at any airport for any reason at any time. Be forewarned,
we do work at night and on weekends.
The infrequency of ramp checks will not be an excuse if you
have fallen into bad habits once the FAA does show up. I have seen many pilots
allow temporary lapses in their medical and required flight reviews because no
one seems to be around to enforce these important regulations. Non-approved
parts on aircraft and repairs to aircraft without proper documentation by a
licensed A & P are also common practice in the more remote airports.
The Code of Federal Regulations exists to keep the pilots
and flying public safe. Don’t be complacent about keeping yourself and your
aircraft in compliance.
If an FAA Inspector approaches you, it is your right to ask
for his/her proper documentation, called a 110A.
It will be a photo ID with his/her name and the words AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTOR below the photo. In our office, we put a
great deal of importance on the cooperation of the pilot. As a pilot, you can
refuse to talk to the Inspector and can refuse to cooperate. Be advised, that
refusal to cooperate will generate letters from your FSDO and enforcement
actions against your pilot certificate. Cooperation, however, will frequently
soften the situation and allow things to move more easily.
Be prepared for that eventual day that the FAA shows up to
talk to you, either randomly or for an occurrence. Carry your required
documents, keep your medical and flight review current, maintain good log books
(both pilot and aircraft), and your ramp check will be a short and not
unpleasant experience.
Paul Gretschel ATP MCFI CFII ME
Aviation Safety Inspector
BPPP Instructor
The opinions
discussed in this article are strictly those of the writer, who is a BPPP
Instructor and FAA Inspector. It does not reflect any policies or opinions of
the Federal Aviation Administration
