Blue Lights

[ljg]

I watched a Van get what appeared to be a moderately thorough inspection this morning, and it got me to thinking. In light of recent airline drama, it appears the FAA is determined to have a stepped up presence in the field. This could have a particular significance to on-demand operations, who are given a great deal more operating flexibility than their (our) 121 counterparts. I really don't mind this at all if they want to step up ramps, but it that little voice in my head goes, "Crap, I did secure those nets completely, the paperworks correct, and that preflight was thorough? Right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure."The FAA guys are just doing their job and I have found are really easy-going people. A ramp check is a formality to make sure you are being safe. But, throw in an election year and some negative press coverage about certain POI's in bed with airlines, and the climate might go change to political. If the FAA feels they're being portrayed in a bad light, they sure as heck are going to start hanging somebody out to dry. Be safe out there.

[flyguydaniel]

I thought I saw some "official" looking people on the ramp this morning. I did a double check of everything just in case too.

[UPSpilot]

It was so much easier back in the day when the FSDO was upstairs.

[Boris Badenov]

I'll panic when I see the first FSDO guy awake at 3am in the driving rain.

[ljg]

Ramped last night at 3:50am.

Apparently it is not acceptable to have a laminated medical now. The FAA (this gentleman) felt that this was altering an original document.

[BajtheJino]

Originally Posted by ljg

Ramped last night at 3:50am.

Apparently it is not acceptable to have a laminated medical now. The FAA (this gentleman) felt that this was altering an original document.

I've been waiting for this to happen. I've been ramped plenty but that was back when I cared. I guess this means I'll start having to wear shoes again. Probably need to white out the date on the weight and balance, too.

[minitour]

Originally Posted by ljg

Ramped last night at 3:50am.

Apparently it is not acceptable to have a laminated medical now. The FAA (this gentleman) felt that this was altering an original document.

more inspectors making their own rules...

-mini

[JayAre]

Im not worried about the ramp check from the FAA. Im worried about the Frakin TSA showin up in podunk layover trying to get access to your plane.

[Boris Badenov]

Originally Posted by bajthejino

Probably need to white out the date on the weight and balance, too.

The same God that gave us white-out also gave us photocopiers.

[BajtheJino]

Originally Posted by Boris Badenov

The same God that gave us white-out also gave us photocopiers.

My company wont get one and the FBO banned me from theirs...

[N8389P]

ah I saw blue lights, it said bypass open

[Zephyr]

I got ramped that night too. Thought the inspectors were pretty nice. They didn't even ask for my documents or look at my plane, they just asked me about avionics and whether I ever had autopilots deferred... ???

ljg... does your commute involve a train? now that's a hellofa commute.

Originally Posted by ljg

I watched a Van get what appeared to be a moderately thorough inspection this morning, and it got me to thinking. In light of recent airline drama, it appears the FAA is determined to have a stepped up presence in the field. This could have a particular significance to on-demand operations, who are given a great deal more operating flexibility than their (our) 121 counterparts. I really don't mind this at all if they want to step up ramps, but it that little voice in my head goes, "Crap, I did secure those nets completely, the paperworks correct, and that preflight was thorough? Right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure."The FAA guys are just doing their job and I have found are really easy-going people. A ramp check is a formality to make sure you are being safe. But, throw in an election year and some negative press coverage about certain POI's in bed with airlines, and the climate might go change to political. If the FAA feels they're being portrayed in a bad light, they sure as heck are going to start hanging somebody out to dry. Be safe out there.

[mikecweb]

"Sorry sir we have a really tight deadline but I'll be here tomorrow."

[OldTownPilot]

Just don't mention you'll be under the same tight deadline the next day too

[Mavmb]

Originally Posted by ljg

Ramped last night at 3:50am.

Apparently it is not acceptable to have a laminated medical now. The FAA (this gentleman) felt that this was altering an original document.

This was always the rule, whatever the reason. Back when the FAA was giving out paper pilot certificates, you could laminate the pilot certificate but not the medical. Why, I don't know, just what the FAA says!

[ljg]

Originally Posted by Mavmb

This was always the rule, whatever the reason. Back when the FAA was giving out paper pilot certificates, you could laminate the pilot certificate but not the medical. Why, I don't know, just what the FAA says!

Interesting...I am going to order a replacement medical cert and leave it unlaminated.

Originally Posted by Zephyr

ljg... does your commute involve a train? now that's a hellofa commute.

Yeah sometimes I ride from MIA or FLL to PBI and get picked up there. It saves a lot of wear and tear on cars and gas. For a 4 dollar ticket it is worth the extra time. I hope with 120 dollar oil Public transportation can continue to be subsidized.

I guess our company has a new POI who is trying his best to get a feel for the operation. Hence more frequent ramps. Everyone is on a tight deadline but no big deal.