By Jim Timm
AUGUST 2013
The dog days of summer are here and flying isn’t as much fun as it was a short while back. I can imagine many of you are looking for ways to escape the valley heat and head for cooler climes. Like several others, I am also getting ready to head for AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Presently it’s even hot there, but, hopefully that will change. I’ll give you a report when I get back, so ‘till then, keep cool and please be sure to check the density altitude and fly safe.
There has been a considerable comment lately about pilots being subjected to unexpected ramp inspections by armed Department of Homeland Security personnel and the FAA. While the Homeland Security inspections are something new, guidelines on how to deal with them have been published by AOPA and the EAA. The FAA ramp checks however, have been with us for some time and I have had questions recently on how to deal with the FAA ramp check. There aren't that many FAA inspector to start with and with the sequestration cutbacks the chances of getting a ramp check are a bit slim. However, if you do get checked, it’s a good idea to be prepared in knowing how to deal with it. Remember, we are expected to conduct flights safely and remain in compliance with the FAR’s, and the "ramp check" is really intended to ensure pilots maintain these expectations. Though generally straightforward, a ramp check could end up with enforcement action against the pilot. The following suggestions were provided by AOPA, EAA and FAA sources.
A ramp check may occur when an inspector observes an unsafe aircraft condition, an unsafe operation in the traffic pattern or on the ramp or it may simply be during a normal ramp surveillance. If you suspect you are the 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 will normally involve the examination of the airman and medical certificates and the required aircraft documentation and an examination of the exterior of the aircraft. A major key to a positive ramp inspection is to maintain a cooperative and diplomatic attitude. 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 documents. If requested, the pilot is required to present their pilot and medical certificates, and, if applicable, the pilots logbook. For example, logbooks are required for student pilots, sport pilots, recreational pilots and certain flight instructors that must have an appropriate endorsement for the flight that is being anticipated. All other pilots, keep all your logbooks at home in a safe place. While you are required to present the required documents for examination, you are not required to physically release these documents. 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.
• The seats/safety belts.
It is generally suggested that, to help reduce the time and scope of the inspection, to be courteous and cooperative. Be busy, FAA inspectors are not authorized to delay you for any great length of time. Answer questions truthfully but succinctly and Do Not volunteer more information than is absolutely required and have readily available the following documents:
• Your medical and pilot certificates.
• 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).
Finally, remember, if the ramp check is due to a possible violation, anything you say or do may be used against you.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
On July 15 2013 the FAA published it’s final rule increasing the qualification requirements for first officers who fly for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. The rule requires first officers to hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, requiring 1,500 hours total time as a pilot. Previously, first officers were only required to have a commercial pilot certificate, which requires 250 hours of flight time. The rule also requires a co-pilot to fly a minimum of 1,000 hours in air carrier operations prior to serving as a captain for a U.S. airline, as well as enhanced training requirements for an ATP certificate, including 50 hours of multi-engine flight experience and the completion of a new FAA-approved training program. “Restricted Privileges” ATP certificates that would allow a pilot to serve as a first officer would be available to the following;
Military pilots with 750 hours total time as a pilot.
Graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree with an aviation major and 1,000 hours total time as a pilot.
Graduates holding an Associate’s degree with an aviation major and 1,250 hours total time as a pilot.
Be sure to check for NOTAMS before you depart on a cross country flight. This time of the year there may be forrest fire TFRs and also a significant number of airports around the state are having runway repair/upgrade projects scheduled for the summer. You don’t need to have a surprise when you arrive at your destination and discover the runway is closed for resurfacing. We will advise you when we receive specific notices of projects being started.
We received another Flight Advisory notice that there will again be GPS Interference testing at Alamogordo, NM on July 22 - 31 from 0300Z-1600Z and 1830Z-2230Z and also on August 1 - 10 from 0300Z-1600Z and 1830Z-2230Z. Pilots are strongly encouraged to report anomalies during testing to the appropriate ARTCC to assist in the determination of the extent of GPS degradation during tests and also please advise APA.
Aviation safety should be a concern for all of us. From the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) records, there were only three accidents reported in the last reporting period. Of the reported accidents, two resulted in no injuries and one accident resulted in minor injuries. It would be good we could identify a trend in these accidents and initiate corrective action safety programs to reduce the accident rate. See my August Aviation Accident Report for the details.
We are continuing to work with airports around the state providing a general aviation user perspective in the process of updating their Airport Master Plans. We are presently working on the up dating of both the Gila Bend Municipal Airport and the Nogales International Airport Master plans and an update of the Phoenix Sky Harbor FAA Part 150 Noise Study.
THINGS TO DO - PLACES TO GO FOR BREAKFAST:
The first Saturday of the month fly in breakfast at Coolidge Airport (P08) has been halted until this fall.
The last Saturday of the month there is still a Fly in breakfast at Casa Grande Airport (CGZ)
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 am. The Casa Grande breakfast will continue through the summer as it is held in the air conditioned airport terminal.
(Both of these fly in breakfasts are put on by a service group in their respective communities to raise funds for community service projects.)
The third Saturday of the month there is a fly in breakfast at Benson (E95) @ Southwest Aviation
(Rumor has it that there may be special fuel prices for breakfast attendees.)