Hard Landing.. will affect Career?
 

I am a Private Pilot training for my Instrument and Commercial. Long story short, I made a poirpoised landing coming back to my home airport a couple days ago. I was renting the place to time-build, the owner said repairs would be about $20K. Insurance will take care of this, however, the owner told be he would file a report with FAA/NTSB. My questions are:

1. Will a "accident" report like this hurt my chances in the regionals/majors?

2. The owner was talking about the possibility of a 709 RIDE. Whats the possibility of this happening and will that affect my chances with a 121/135 carrier?

3. Is there any way to expunge records in the future?

Thanks.

1) Probably not. Things like this are pretty common at the PPL level. You're still learning.
2) 709 ride is a possibility. Again, not really a big deal.
3) no. Your record will follow you around and you will need to be truthful on job applications. Don't sweat it, though, something like this makes a good story about how you learned from your mistakes. Don't make it a habit, though.

First off, based on the information your provided it doesn't sound like it's an actual defined "aircraft accident" therefore notification to the FAA may not be required.

Look up CFR Part 830, subpart A definition of an "Aircraft accident means an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage. For purposes of this part, the definition of “aircraft accident” includes “unmanned aircraft accident,” as defined herein.

With that said, define "Substantial damage." Substantial damage means damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips are not considered “substantial damage” for the purpose of this part.

So with that said, was the damage to the landing gear resulting in $20000 worth of damage, if so it wouldn't be defined as a "accident." The limit of damages for Immediate notification according to Subpart B is $25000 (to include materials and labor). Therefore it's not an immediate reportable event as long as the damages truly are $20k.

Now as far as any ride you may have to take, I don't know. But from the information you provided it doesn't sound like a "aircraft accident" according the CFR Part 830.

I forgot to mention but I would recommend looking at FAR 91.25 and seeing if you should fill out the NASA form. I'm not sure if it is applicable in this case but it's something you might want to look into.

ASRS - Aviation Safety Reporting System

This. If you can help it, dont let them report it to the faa. Just insurance im sure. Like said above, damage to props, and gear do not count as substantial damage. Only things that affect its airworthiness. Meaning, if you throw it off the grand canyon, will it glide the same as before? (Bent prop and damaged gear aside of course) basically structure, controls surfaces, and airfoils. Everything else should not not count towards a mandatory reporting.

Legally speaking, you nor the fbo who owns it should have to report it. For insurance im sure something needs to be reported, but to the FAA including your information no.

Maybe the FBO is just ****ed off and wants u in trouble for bending their metal? They could also have there own company protocols in place, but i dint see why that would include reporting something thats not mandatory...

Re:
 

Thanks for all ya'lls replies. To give ya'll some information:

The owner said that the prop, the nose gear and right main gear, and a portion of the wing spars needed replacement. He also mentioned a Tear-down of the the engine as well as sending the gearbox off to be inspected.

I just did a ASRS report.

Interesting info. Maybe I can talk the owner out of it. he told me that I have two options. If I file insurance, He will file. Or if I pay out of pocket, he will not file.

Something fishy there. He's blackmailing you.

Either it's mandatory reportable or it's not. Doesn't matter who pays.

Gear, prop, engine teardown are not reportable.

Wing spars probably are.

IMHO don't fall for this blackmail. Let their insurance handle it. If they report it, so be it, it will NOT ruin your career, just a little extra hassle. Nothing worth paying $20k out of pocket for.

I would wash my hands with the entire place IF you had that option. But thats just me.

What the firewall bent? That qualifies as "reportable" due to damage.

Here's an article to read.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Pilots | Flying Magazine