Deviation card and a ramp check?

[timeoff]

Part 23.1547 states that a deviation card must be placarded next to the compass, showing the calibration of that compass in level flight. Many of the planes I fly have faded cards that are illegible (trainers). You can kind of make out the numbers on it if you really tried, but for the most part you cant see squat.

Now, if I were to hypothetically get ramp checked would I face any possible action if the inspector decided to say the aircraft was "unairworthy" per part 23, being that the deviation card was basically useless?

Thanks.

 

[avbug]

You betcha, and I've had it happen. In my case, the inspectors had come a long distance at the request of a local who was warring with the FBO owner. He knew we were flying out of the terminal, and he thought a good way to get at the FBO owner was to get us. The inspectors showed up, and immediately informed me that I had an illegal seatbelt installed, and that my compass card was missing.

I said golly gee whiz folks. Let's UNLOCK the airplane and check that seatbelt...and let me remove the window covers so we can look at the compass that's covered up inside that LOCKED airplane...howzabout that? We've had someone snag a data tag off one seatbelt (imagine that!)...and sure enough, our compass card had magically gone missing.

That the person who called the FAA had been the one who altered the aircraft was obvious even to the two gentlemen who stood before me with mismatched socks...but having made a five hour trip, they weren't about to have made it in vain.

In my case, I knew that a good maintenance program always keeps a record of the compass swing, and I was able to restore the compass card with just a phone call and a fax. The seatbelt I replaced, and they were happy.

You are right...an illegible compass correction card is an airworthiness item, and must be corrected. Probably a good time to go swing the compass again. If you've never done it, why not get with a mechanic and go swing it. It will be a good education for you...and when the next aircraft needs doing, go do it with a student and the mechanic, and teach the student something in the process.

This summer I saw a government inspector tag a public use aircraft for failure to have a legible compass card. I've seen it a few times over the years...generally it's when the inspector is looking for something (usually won't make a federal case out of just the card...but it can always be added on to other things found, or used if nothing else can be found)...there's no reason why a clear, legible card cant' be in place.

Mention it to the owners or operators of the aircraft...and if you're of a mind to do it, volunteer to help put it right if it will motivate them to action. It's probably something you haven't done in an airplane before, and once again, it may even prove educational.

 

[JAFI]

That the person who called the FAA had been the one who altered the aircraft was obvious even to the two gentlemen who stood before me with mismatched socks...but having made a five hour trip, they weren't about to have made it in vain.

Avbug, help me out here.

Let's see, "some one" called to complain -- The FAA office sent Inspectors out to investagate (their job, as mandated by Congress) they saw it was a set up (complaints targeted to "get someone" happen more often than not). They asked you to fix the aircraft (is that out of the ordinary?) and they left with out making a "federal case" on you. And yet, you insult them with the mismatched socks comment. Makes me wonder why I (we) even bother to do any thing other than - Violate them all and let GOD sort it out -.

What did you what to happen?

JAFI

 

[avbug]

They didn't help me out; they stated their intent to violate. There's more to the story than what's given, including details regarding contaminated fuel sales (which I demonstrated with fuel samples), and one known engine failure as a result, a truck filter filled with several inches of rust (I gave them bagged evidence, photographs, and the filter), and they refused to address it...and numerous other issues which really did warrant their attention.

Yes, "someone." I see no need to provide his name here, as it's not professional, not permitted, and he's dead.

The inspectors didn't ask me to "fix" the aircraft. I did that on my own.

They left without a case to make because I didn't give them anything upon which to go. They made it clear that they'd much rather have left with a case. As it was, their presence and intrusion cost us considerable money, including delaying flights while they pressed a fruitless case.

You caught me on the socks. At least one of them had matching sox. At least, they were the same color.

What did I what to happen what? You're making no sense.

However, perhaps as the man with the answers, when you're done speaking for God, can address the question of the original poster.

 

[FL420]

Yes, "someone." I see no need to provide his name here, as it's not professional, not permitted, and he's dead.

Uhhh, bug. Please tell me you had nothing to do with "someone" now being deceased. ......

 

[avbug]

It's rather academic now, but for the record, it wasn't me.

He'd have to have done something more than swipe a compass correction card to warrant that. Let his dog soil my lawn, for example. Or Disrespect my wife. Or wear plaid.

Or perhaps if his eyes were too close together...