It’s Not Just For Mechanics

By Bruce Brandon

Good old Part 43 of the FARs.  Most pilots think of this is only an A&P/IA issue.  Guess what, that thought process will eventually get you violated by the FAA.  Why?

Patrick Phillips (pictured), who sits on EAA's legal advisory committee, and Mike Bush, of Savvy Aircraft Maintenance Management, gave an enlightening forum here at AirVenture that addressed many issues that will “bite” an airman.

According to Phillips, the pilot in command is required prior to every flight to verify that his/her aircraft is airworthy.  To be airworthy, all maintenance must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance logbook.  This includes preventative maintenance performed by the pilot.

Here’s the gotcha.  Say you are on a cross country and require maintenance on you aircraft.  After the maintenance is performed, the mechanic requires additional time to do the paper work.  If you are in a hurry and don’t wait for the proper logbook entries before you take off, your airplane is not airworthy, ergo, if the FAA discovers this, gotcha!

They also suggested that squawks not be entered in the logbook. It should contain all the maintenance performed, e.g. simply state the maintenance performed, not a dissertation about running off the runway.  It is a maintenance logbook, not a storybook.

Bush (pictured) said that ferry permits are another issue pilots rarely think about.  When your airplane is broken, i.e. not airworthy, how do you get it home to be repaired?  This is perhaps the only time the FAA allows you, one time, to fly a non airworthy airplane.  Your A&P will have to obtain the permit from the FAA for a one time flight.  The A&P is certifying that the airplane can be safely flown one time in conformance with the restrictions imposed by the individual ferry permit.  It is a one of and the aircraft must be operated in accordance with the ferry permit.

Another issue addressed was prebuy inspection. Prebuy inspections normally aren’t “inspections” in a technical sense.  All “real” inspections must be logged.  Prebuy inspections vary all over the board.  My prebuy will be different from your prebuy.  One word of advice is to be sure to have a clear contract with the person performing your prebuy so that if there is a problem down the road, it is clear what the prebuy inspection was to cover. One thing that needs to be entered in the log book is if any maintenance was performed or panels removed and replaced.

Bet you didn’t know there are currency requirements for mechanics.  Part 65.83 states that all certified mechanics must fulfill a currency requirement of 6 month activity every 24 months.  Who would have thunk?

Bottom line, as a pilot or mechanic, logbooks are taken very seriously by the FAA.  PICs are required to ensure his/her airplane is airworthy.  Remember, the airplane isn’t airworthy unless the logbooks say it is.  Just being safe to fly isn’t enough.

(Staff images)

FMI: www.faa.gov