Hello folks. I am flying to Europe frequently and the management company is providing little to no support for us so I cannot trust them to take care of matters you would think they care about.

Has anyone had to endure one of these SAFA ramp checks? I have tried to find the actual checklist that the EU inspectors use and have had no success.

I heard from a crew that did get inspected that they can be very thorough and rigorous. For example, the inspectors are highly trained in things like Nav Database currency, TCAS system checks, Flight Plan alternate requirements, etc. These guys I talked to had the inspector look through their flight plan and notice that the airport listed as their alternate was not a viable alternate because of max gross takeoff weight limitations at that airport. He also apparently pointed out small paint chips all over the plane and was not happy about that. Yeah, I would say that is thorough. And this was on what appeared to me a very clean Gulfstream.

Any input would be great guys.

Thanks!

 

Standardisation | Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (EC SAFA Programme)

Open the link, then scroll down the page until you find the "Applicable SAFA Legislation" area, the click on the PDF file for "Commission Directive 2008/49/EC"

 

Thanks man! Yeah I saw that site but did not realize that was a link. I found a checklist from 2002 and that one you sent me was from 2004 but it appears it might be current.

Ever been through one?

 

We had a chartered B-757 inspected in Paris and also in Lyons. Very thorough inspection but no problems noted.

I'll try to get the form that was used and can e-mail it to you if it helps.

G'Day Mate

 

In Europe, inspectors from every country come out of the wood work when the weather is nice with an average temperature of 25 degrees C.

Not much different than an FAA ramp check... you know cooperate and graduate. The inspectors are usually pleasant and will give you their business card which contains their ID Number.

I do recommend however, before venturing overseas, perform an aircraft documents, tech log, and insurance certificate check list.

The inspectors I have had visit my aircraft were more interested in our documents rather than the aircraft itself. One note however, if the meet and greet is upon your arrival, make sure your weight and balance form is legible and working flight plan is complete with fuel checks, recorded clearances, and weather checks.

 

I agree. Hot places now seem to be Paris (LFPB) and Germany...a well planned documents/safa book tabbed for each section of his checklist goes a long way....8.33mhz and fm immunity? no problem tab 9....etc...noise certificate? insurance? right here too.

Well planned out is the key.

 

I just had a ramp check in Haan about 5 weeks ago. I will say they are very thorough. They have an entire checklist to complete and it took about 45 mins on an A-300. It ranged from items such as testing the TAWS and checking the database currency of the FMS to the current revision of the Jepps on board. Like Captjns said, they are very interested in documentation.

If you'll shoot me your email address in the next 24 hrs, I will email you a copy of the checklist they use.