As A Recreational Flyer, Are You Prepared For A Ramp Check?

In a story we covered last week we reported that Senator, Charles Schumer, wants the FAA to perform more ramp checks. Based on anecdotal information, Schumer postulated that ramp checks would improve aviation safety. While a ramp check has little to do with safety, it can cause problems for pilots who can’t prove certain other regulatory requirements that have little to do with safe operation.

When we use the term ramp check, we are not talking about the unfortunate cases of pilots being approached and questioned by military uniformed personnel from various government agencies. What we are reviewing is the simple case of an FAA operations or airworthiness inspector walking up in civilian clothes, showing you FAA identification, and announcing that you’re about to receive a ramp check.

The primary purpose of the ramp check is to verify that the pilot and aircraft are in compliance with the certification regulations. In other words, your paperwork had better be in order. Pilots and aircraft must have certain paperwork to be legal to fly.

On occasion, ramp checks can be performed by FAA airworthiness personnel which could also involve a cursory walk around the aircraft looking for airworthiness concerns. If an airworthiness inspector finds a problem, the aircraft can be grounded on the spot.

The pilot must have the following items in his or her possession and must present them upon request by an FAA or law enforcement official:

• FAA pilot certificate.
• Government issued photo identification. This is commonly a state driver’s license, but other government issued photo identification is acceptable.
• Proof of appropriate medical certification. For a sport pilot or sport pilot student, this could be an FAA medical certificate or a valid state driver’s license.
• A student pilot must have his or her logbook on cross country flights, and a sport pilot must have either his or her logbook with the appropriate sport pilot endorsements or a record of the endorsements. Recreational pilots must also have proof of endorsement for extended cross-country flying and tower controlled airspace training if they had received those endorsements.
• Private and higher-rated pilots are not required to carry logbooks with them, and that’s probably a pretty good idea. However the FAA inspector may ask you to present some sort of proof of appropriate endorsements, such as a flight review, within a reasonable period of time.

The aircraft must also have certain papers to be legal to operate:

• The airworthiness certificate must be onboard and must be displayed so that it is visible in the cockpit.
• The registration certificate has be onboard the aircraft and the address and ownership information on record with the FAA must be accurate and up-to-date. Remember, the registration certificate must be renewed every 3 years.
• The operating limitations must be onboard the aircraft. This could be part of the aircraft operating handbook or it could be a separate document, such as with experimental aircraft, and it may include placards.
• Aircraft maintenance records, which includes inspection and airworthiness directive records, are not required to be on board the airplane.

If you have any doubts about the documents and papers needed for your aircraft to sail smoothly through a ramp check, have a knowledgeable maintenance professional check to make sure everything is in order.

While a ramp check does not have much to do with aviation safety, it can lead to problems if your paperwork is not up to snuff. With a little preparation and a calm demeanor, receiving a ramp check is not that big of a deal.

(Image from file)

FMI: FAA ramp check procedures