FAA inspectors rights ?

[ThreeGreens]

Could anybody point me to an FAA document as to what FAA inspectors are allowed to ask/do during a check on 121 carrier ? (sitting on the jumpseat).
Thanks.

 

[Max Powers]

I once had to cough in both directions for one as he rubbed me somewhere I'm ashamed to say.

 

[Metrojet]

Could anybody point me to an FAA document as to what FAA inspectors are allowed to ask/do during a check on 121 carrier ? (sitting on the jumpseat).
Thanks.

When they are riding on the jumpseat, they are observing your operations - if they have any questions - they should only ask/speak during non-pertinent times of the flight - and if they become a distraction - the PIC should remind them they are only observing.

 

[densoo]

Could anybody point me to an FAA document as to what FAA inspectors are allowed to ask/do during a check on 121 carrier ? (sitting on the jumpseat).
Thanks.

They have the right to use the JS for personal travel whenever they want and whenever the loads are such that they can't visit sons, daughters, grandchildren, beach, for free without giving you a "line check" to get there.

 

[ThreeGreens]

I once had to cough in both directions for one as he rubbed me somewhere I'm ashamed to say.

Thanks for your replies even the funny one, but is there a document that attest to the fact they can't ask questions during flight ? FAA document, guidelines, etc... ?

 

[Raoul Duke]

no such document. They can ask whatever they want and you can either answer or not.

 

[PSL]

Sorry to be the nerd in the group ... there is such a document (actually it is guidance and a Job Aid (FAA speak for a checklist)).

FSIMS (Flight Standards Information Management System) / Volume 8900.01 / Volume 6 / Chapter 2 / Section 6 and 9. I would copy both sections but I would be banned for life for exceeding the character limits on a post.

In short, an Inspector may ask any question(s) they want to determine whether the flight crew and the operations meets the regulatory requirements of FAR121 and the approved OPSPEC / FOM.

The inspectors who have ridden on the J/S at SWA have been cordial and professional. Never once have they been 'in the way' or a distraction. The FAA at the ASI level is pretty good at policing their own.

If you read the above mentioned guidance you will see the word OBSERVE used over and over again. If there is an issue which could result in 'paperwork' or 'time off' they are obligated to inform the captain of such.

IOW, no surprises and no agenda(s).

 

[crj567]

I once had to cough in both directions for one as he rubbed me somewhere I'm ashamed to say.

"Good touch/Bad Touch?"

-I had no idea Gen Lee was really an inspector!