Going to be starting a 135 job in AK soon and heard the FAA ramp checks pretty regularly in the area. Going to be flying cargo and people around in a C-206. I've never been ramp checked before so I'm just wondering, other than wanting to see license ID and medical what is usually asked? Do they quiz you on the regs? How long do they last? What are the most common things pilots get in trouble for during these?

Thanks.

 

Just make sure you and your airplane are legal.

 

They just look at your cert and medical to make sure they are valid,and look over the airplane to make sure it is legal (paperwork, placards, nothing missing, etc). Usually just takes a few minutes. Don't sweat it.

 

Some additional tips if your are doing that type of flying in AK for the first time... Even if it is a SE VFR 135 deal; You should probably be up to speed on ADF work/approaches. I think there are still some up there and they might test on that, they did to me years ago. You will be tested on some instrument stuff as part of the training/checkride, even for a VFR deal. Also be aware that many approaches are going to be much steeper than you are probably used to in the lower 48. They are also low energy as you will frequently be operating from much shorter strips than you are probably used to. (You will also be operating from surfaces you are not used to as well. Keep the yoke back and as low power as possible if on gravel; they will show you the tricks/procedures) There is not much dragging it in up there. That is also a sure sign of a city pilot. You will need to pay great attention to airspeed and glidepath control. The obstacles are many and are not some line in a book or flight manual; they are real. Many times you will fly the airplane very near its limits. If you have never done this sort of flying it is hard to explain the precision and judgement that must be exercised. This is some of the most precision flying you will ever do. If you don't believe it, you will. You better be able to put that airplane on a dime and make change. Another important item is the PAX. They are not the usual passengers. They know more about that airplane and flying than you think they do. You might be taking some natives for a doctors appointment (or you might be taking a doctor to the natives) or to the grocery store; but they know if you are not doing your job right or are doing something stupid or not normal, Etc. More than one pilot has lost their job in AK after a native/regular flyer said something. They like their pilots very much, will respect you and are very nice people; however they do expect to feel and be as safe as possible. It is also important to show up for work sober. Good luck and be safe. You will have some memorable experiences.

PS, Being single engine, you will not often be doing a Wt/Bal; but learn/know your airplane and its standard loading arrangements and don't let some ramper or anyone overload you or get you out of CG. This is vital as it doesn't just have to do with flying in general, it plays a huge part in runway performance. Also learn to read the water. Lakes come in great for this (in the summer of course...) You can look at a lake for a split second and tell what the wind is doing. This is not just a skill for seaplane pilots... Looking over charts and such beforehand is a good idea but also be ready to remember many new names, landmarks and reporting points. Also keep your head out of the cockpit as much as possible and also turn around once in a while and check on your PAX. Anchorage is some of the busiest airspace in the world during the summer, not kidding...

 

This is really it. Pressure from the "company" to do the job, passengers, buddies, yourself or anything else doesn't matter to the feds conducting the ramp check. Gotta be legal. Usually not a big deal. The other part that Yoda is talking about is related to the flying. It's important to note that you got to be on top of your game and take the flying seriously. Stay on-guard and make good decisions. That's what will keep you in the game.

 

All this on a ramp check?

 

Obviously not; just saw that he was going to AK and wanted him to get off on the right foot... People go up there and think because they will be flying a SE Cessna they will be fine right out of the box. Then they find out they need to be able to fly that SE Cessna in the box it came in...

 

Wt & bal is a biggie. Also make sure your load is securely tied down. Is the aircraft truly airworthy? Everything works or is deferred? Do you accurately track your working hours? Rest?

There are many pitfalls to a ramp check. Your attitude and that of the inspector is key.

Build your time and get out of there. :-)

 

None of these are exclusive to AK but have YOUR stuff in order first and foremost. As long as the airplane has its documents and appears to be in one piece you should be good. Expect for them to take down your certificate number, medical date, as well as AFM and GOM revisions. They check these out when they get back to the office. Also, don't forget to be polite!

 

And don't carry your logbook with you.