Waka, If they say 'all four', they are opening themselves up to all sorts of problems. And not just from you. Their guidance allows them to choice the type of inspection to be conducted. Each inspection covers a lot of information. This does not preclude them from looking into something else if they see a problem. Generally when you ask that you are telling them, you are familiar with their handbook. That tends to make the inspection go a little bit easier and quicker.
261, The forth, I would lump into aircraft loading and servcing. The check airman observed ride is covered under a different section.
By boxing them in, all you are doing is getting them to commit to what they are looking for and what areas they will deal with.
Of course if they do find a machanical problem, it could be difficult to depart. And they do track maintenance slips they issue. However, there is a section on the form for airworthy or un-airworthy. Normally they will check one of those boxes. If they don't, I would use my best judgement. Keep a photo copy of the slip for your records.
261, you are correct that MOST inspectors don't like to file violations due to the amount of paperwork. But there are those who do. Just be careful. If you have you ducks in a row and have complete records, it is not unusual to beat the violation. As long as you were right. Unfortunately, when the FAA goes after a company, the employees also get it in the butt.
Waka, as for 'common sense', it sounds like you have not dealt with the FAA that much. Unfortunately, in today's legal enviroment, they tend to follow the regs right down the line, unless you can show them 'Letters of Interpretation' from legal otherwise. Many of the regs date back to the 50's and 60's and do not allow for the changes in technoligy. And some of them do have axes to grind. Yes they are few, but because it is difficult to discipline them for such conduct, they get promoted and become supervisors and trainers. And the problem continues. And one other point, we existed before they did, and the day we go away, they go away. Not the other way around.
chperplt, if you think a 1900 is an old dinosaur, think again, please. I'm admitting my age, but DC3's and 6's are much older and are still seen in the US skies, as working aircraft . And they get ramped regularly. And there are many jets that went out of production before or around the time the 1900 was introduced. DA20, B727, B707, B720, Hansa, Lear 23/24/25/28/29, DC8, DC9, etc. And they are still around. But any ratty looking aircraft will attract FAA attention.
