CFI Liability question

[mcjohn]

He called us on the radio and was furious. I told him to taxi back as I wouldn't discuss this over the radio. He came back in and went after the fuelers and our receptionist.

I hustled him to a back room and told him he was in violation of numerous FARs because(a) he wasn't licensed, (b) he wasn't endorsed by me for any kind of solo flight and (c) in violation of school and club rules, he didn't have any flight plan on file.

His response was "That's your problem."

What a friggin ass!

 

[2Inverted]

Should I kick this guy to the curb? Have I put myself at risk career wise flying with him. I have NOT given him any endorsements and dont plan on it now, but he does have about 10 hours dual from me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

steve

Even though you haven't given him any endorsements, you might want to contact the AOPA Legal dept concerning potential liabilities rising from the 10 hours of dual you already gave him. They can advise you of what actions to take to CYA and ticket.
This business of committing lift is tough enough and I don't want people like that occupying the same airspace as my family, my friends, or me. I say, dump the SOB and sent a letter to the FSDO.

And....

 

[vclean]

Ask the AOPA Legal Dept. their opinion. Also consider your dual will be recent, and perhaps the last dual in his logbook. If he has an accident or violation, the FAA may review his logbook and ask you a few questions. If the FAA can prove you had prior knowledge of his illegal behavior, you may need your own lawyer. If it is a post-accident investigation, it is possible you can be sued as culpable in our litigious society.

 

[mcjohn]

Not if you have AOPA Commercial Pilot legal services like I do.

It's $52 / year.

 

[Flyerjosh]

Not if you have AOPA Commercial Pilot legal services like I do.

It's $52 / year.

AOPA legal only covers your butt AFTER you get violated. And it doesn't guarantee that action won't be taken against your certificate... it just means that they will join in your fight once action has been taken against you. Just an important thing to point out.

Unlike what many airline execs have, the AOPA legal plan isn't a golden parachute...

 

[mcjohn]

Right. After you buy it don't make the call until charged.

 

[midlifeflyer]

AOPA legal only covers your butt AFTER you get violated.

Not completely accurate. The AOPA Legal Service Plan will cover a consultation almost any time you need one. BEFORE you get violated, when the inquiries are being made and you need advice to not make things worse, is the time to call.

 

[AC560]

If the FAA can prove you had prior knowledge of his illegal behavior, you may need your own lawyer. If it is a post-accident investigation, it is possible you can be sued as culpable in our litigious society.

I second this, call FSDO sooner not later. From a legal standpoint I don't think you have anything to worry about from what you have described here. I do though agree with Vclean that if this guy does get busted and you knew what he was doing could be a problem for you.