Ramp Check

cptndavis · March 8th, 2008, 16:59

Folks:
If you face a ramp check is it common procedure for the inspector to ask for the aircraft logs?? I was told never to carry these in the aircraft, but are you required to present them to the FAA if asked on the ramp? Also, is a separate piece of paper, not an official log, good enough to present evidence of the VOR check's?? Any feedback on this would be appreciated as I am a new aircraft owner.

Thanks,

Mike

PanJet · March 8th, 2008, 21:34

I believe, as in the case of your pilot logs as well, if they request them you are given a reasonable amount of time to produce them. I'm not sure what kind of time frame there is, but because they don't have to be carried with you they can't require you to produce them on the spot.

mooneyguy · March 8th, 2008, 21:51

NO, you are not required and should NEVER carry your aircraft logs with you. If you lose your a/c logs your plane WILL drop ramatically in value! You are given "reasonable" time to produce a/c and pilot logs...whether I have my log book or not (on me) I would not offer it up at that moment, but would produce them later.
Vor check need not be listed in a "log book" A simple not pad or paper with the required info is all that is needed.
As an owner I would encourage you to pick up a legal plan like aopa offers. Its like $29 a year, and help protect you against enforcement actionby the faa.

MikeOH58 · March 8th, 2008, 22:30

I recommend purchasing a fire proof safe, and backing all of your logs up electronically. Last summer there was a big fire at DXR, and the logs for quite a few airplanes were lost, and there value has just plummetted...And rightfully so. Fireproof safe and e-logs...trust me.

As for the 30 Day VOR IFR check, I think as long as you record date, place, error and signature, it doesn't matter where you log it...Could be on a used napkin, as long as it meets the requirements of what needs to be recorded.

Maurus · March 9th, 2008, 04:52

Here is my question, can the FAA ask for something not required on board the aircraft at the ramp check?

The aircraft logs are not required in the aircraft. I would think that the inspector would not need to see the logs as they are not required for flight. They are required to maintain airworthiness, but not needed in the aircraft. With this I don't think they would ask for the aircraft logs unless they see em laying in your aircraft.

pilotnate23 · March 9th, 2008, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maurus

Here is my question, can the FAA ask for something not required on board the aircraft at the ramp check?

The aircraft logs are not required in the aircraft. I would think that the inspector would not need to see the logs as they are not required for flight. They are required to maintain airworthiness, but not needed in the aircraft. With this I don't think they would ask for the aircraft logs unless they see em laying in your aircraft.

They're a representative of the Administrator so I'd say yes, within a reasonable amount of time...it's the law. But then again, I'd probably consult with some sort of legal counsel before I did anything.

mooneyguy · March 9th, 2008, 09:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maurus

Here is my question, can the FAA ask for something not required on board the aircraft at the ramp check?

The aircraft logs are not required in the aircraft. I would think that the inspector would not need to see the logs as they are not required for flight. They are required to maintain airworthiness, but not needed in the aircraft. With this I don't think they would ask for the aircraft logs unless they see em laying in your aircraft.

Can They ask for them? YES Do you have to provide them right then? NO

I'm sorry but they are not here, I have them in a safety deposit box in a bank for safe keeping, if you would like to view them I will get them to you in a reasonable amount of time!

mooneyguy · March 9th, 2008, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotnate23

They're a representative of the Administrator so I'd say yes, within a reasonable amount of time...it's the law. But then again, I'd probably consult with some sort of legal counsel before I did anything.

USMCmech · March 9th, 2008, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooneyguy

I'm sorry but they are not here, I have them in a safety deposit box in a bank for safe keeping, if you would like to view them I will get them to you in a reasonable amount of time!

There is your answer right there. Same deal for your pilot logbook. If they really want to see them, they can make an aponitment within a week or two, to meet at the FSDO.

sorrygottarunway · March 9th, 2008, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCmech

There is your answer right there. Same deal for your pilot logbook. If they really want to see them, they can make an aponitment within a week or two, to meet at the FSDO.

If you are being ramp checked, are you personally supposed to be the one to present them, or can you just refer them to your FBO or flying school, and get on with your life.

willi075 · March 9th, 2008, 10:14

I got ramp checked a couple of months back at KHKS in Jackson, MS.

I was in a T210, turns out a FSDO guy who was in the tower with a buddy used to fly freight in them and came down. Looked at my license, medical, airworthiness, registration, and a/c data plate, reminisced for a few minutes about his 1500 hours hauling checks, then went on his way.

B767Driver · March 9th, 2008, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptndavis

Folks:
If you face a ramp check is it common procedure for the inspector to ask for the aircraft logs?? I was told never to carry these in the aircraft, but are you required to present them to the FAA if asked on the ramp? Also, is a separate piece of paper, not an official log, good enough to present evidence of the VOR check's?? Any feedback on this would be appreciated as I am a new aircraft owner.

Thanks,

Mike

It is beyond the scope of a routine ramp check to ask for aircraft logs. On the FAA's website there is guidance for conducting ramp checks and it is basic stuff...license, medical, some preflight planning and general condition of the airplane.

Yes, it is acceptable to record a VOR check on a separate piece of paper. If you have a flight planning log...this would be an excellent place to record it.

pilotnate23 · March 9th, 2008, 12:05

Forgot to add that AOPA Pilot has had a few articles on Ramp Checks...I can't remember when they were published but they were good reading.

germb747 · March 9th, 2008, 13:27

If I remember from learning to fly, you need to have the following with you when you fly and present upon request:

Pilot Certificate
Medical Certificate
Photo ID
Logbook (only if a solo student)

Airworthiness Certificate
Registration Certificate
FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual / Operating Limitations
Weight and Balance

B767Driver · March 9th, 2008, 14:57

http://fsims.faa.gov/PICResults.aspx?mode=EBookContents

This link is taken from the FAA's 8900.1 Flight Standards Management System...and is the guidance the FAA gives to inspectors while conducting a Part 91 ramp check.

Click "surveillance"...then follow Part 91 links to "ramp inspection".

For some reason it would not allow me to go to the specific page I wanted.