Dreaded Ramp Check

You will be required to produce your pilots certificate and medical certificate for the FAA inspector. The inspector will also ask to see evidence of your most recent flight review or equivalent (an FAA checkride, for example). Dont worry if you dont have proof of a flight review; its not required to be in your possession. You might score a point by offering to send a copy to the inspectors office, but be prepared to do so.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, June 08, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

FAA ramp inspections are routine safety checks to ensure pilots and aircraft are continuously compliant with 14 CFR regulations.
Pilots should cooperate professionally with inspectors, provide required pilot and aircraft documentation, and allow for general aircraft inspection, ensuring the inspector shows identification.
While declining an inspection is possible, it is generally better to cooperate to avoid potential escalations and address any discrepancies promptly.
These inspections are a positive experience designed to identify and correct potential safety issues, ultimately preventing accidents and promoting aviation safety.

See a mistake? Contact us.

You’re driving down the highway on the way to the airport, with the cruise control set at 65 mph, the speed limit. So you’re surprised when a highway patrol officer pulls you over.

You politely produce your driver’s license and other documents. Then the officer tells you that one of your brake lights is out and he wanted you to know so that you could get it repaired. On your way, you may be irritated over the lost time, but you realize that the police officer was simply upholding the law and acting for your safety.