Do I need a NASA form for this??
 

I'm a young pilot, in my 20's. I finally gained employment as a commercial pilot... I'm building my hours as a jump pilot as well as a glider tow pilot. I'm aiming for the airlines eventually, but yesterday I may have done something that could prevent that form happening... Here's what happened...

I'm in a flying club. I apparently flew the plane (Piper Cub) with some inspection plates missing underneath the belly. I missed them on my preflight, but one of the members noticed later on after I got back that those plates were gone. She might call the FAA about this.

Do missing inspection plates make an aircraft un-airworthy? Should I be worried? I know it was a poor preflight, but is a NASA form appropriate here?

Thanks for any help.

Just do it, it takes 2 minutes. Then don't worry about it.

First off:
W
T
F?
What kind of club are you flying with, or is she just one of the more "special" members?
Does your club have an operations or safety officer? If not, is there another club officer that you feel comfortable speaking with? Are you the new guy and everyone is giving you the fuzzy eyeball at this point?

I'm still having trouble getting over the tattle-tale vibe from your post. Is she a CFI at least? Did you not call her back after a night of poor judgement? [insert coyote visual here]

Maybe they fell off in flight :D

Not a new member, I have about 20 hours of time in the cub, 180 hrs of tail wheel time total. I just got the vibe like she was going to try everything in her power to see that justice is served and that I learn my lesson. She's a private pilot, 40 something years old. Said (in a very alarmed tone of voice) I flew an un-airworthy airplane and that she was surprised that as a commercial pilot I would display such poor judgment.

I realize it might have been a lazy pre-flight on my part and I will make sure from now on to always check the entire exterior of the airplane from now on, but would the FAA really spend time on something as minor as this?

I talked to the head of the club about it, he said I should fill one out just in case. I just submitted one online.

sounds like they fell off in flight

The answer is YES. It's a safety net that will definitely save you if she does report it. If she doesn't, it isn't going to hurt you either. Remember they use this information to see trends and other problems occurring in the real world.

Not to mention this process is easy and you can do it online now, so no more certified mail!

She knows the plates were gone because apparently she was there when they were taken off (I don't know why they were taken off in the first place and why there was no mention of it to club members in emails or on the hanger message board).

Already filled out the NASA form so I guess I don't have to worry, but how do these work exactly? You only get to use one every five years right?

Not sure if this answers your question and not sure if you have seen this.


http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/list/AC%2000-46D/$FILE/AC00-46D.pdf

I wouldn't worry too much. Does your club have a procedure for taking a plane down for maintenance? If so, was it properly followed by the person removing the panels? I just don't see the FAA making a big deal about this, but i've been wrong (many) times before.

If this sort of thing is SOP at your club, you need to find a new place to fly.

Good Luck!