D.O.M. magazine – FAA Nuts and Bolts - Nuts and Bolts - December 09
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION SAFETY TEAM
December 21, 2008 Issue: 08-04
A Newsletter Written by Mechanics for Mechanics
Nuts And Bolts
Inside this issue:
Do You Believe in Santa Claus Robinson R-22/R-44 Drive Belt Problems Did We Really Mean What We Said? (AMT Awards) Ask the Feds Part 43 Ask the Feds Part 43 Cont’d Propeller Tips Lightning Strikes Too much government regulation? What Is It? FPM Contact Info. Newsletter Article Submissions 7 8 8 9 1 2 3
DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS?
I’m 55 years old and have to admit that I look forward to Christmas morning to see what my wife, (I mean Santa Claus), has slipped under the Christmas tree for me that I wasn't expecting. I would hope that most of us have fond memories from our childhood of the anticipation of Christmas morning. Now as an adult and a FAA Inspector, I thought the days of really believing in Santa Claus were long gone. But to my surprise I’m pretty sure that Santa is real because I hear his name mentioned quite frequently here in the Flight Standards Office. Historically Santa was a real man, St. Nicholas of Myra (now Turkey), who was legendary for his kindness and generosity. However, the Santa I am referring to is the Designated Mechanic Examiner who gives away A&P certificates, the IA who pencil whips annual inspections, and the A&P who signs off work that either was not performed at all or not performed correctly. A few years back in San Antonio, TX, there was a “Santa” DME that failed to properly test 240 mechanic applicants. This resulted in a reexamination of all 240 applicants under Title 49, Public Law 103272 section 44709. (We simply call it a 709 reexamination) This was accomplished at a huge cost to the applicants and the taxpayers. It took ten years to locate individuals and complete their 709’s. The DME lost every certificate that he held. In Florida, a college A&P program had a “Santa” DME on staff that failed to properly test 1200 applicants. All 1200 applicants received 709 letters from the FAA. This 709 project started several years ago and is ongoing because it has spread across the whole country. The DME not only lost all of his certificates, we’ve been told that he is doing jail time as a result of his failure to follow procedures. I recently learned of another “Santa” DME that is being investigated for the same issue. His count is up to around 200 applicants. I can’t say much about this one, it’s still being investigated. The files in my office and any other FAA offices in the country are crammed full of legal enforcement cases that involve a “Santa” IA that failed to properly inspect an aircraft during an annual inspection. I investigated an IA a while back that was known for his quick inspections. The investigation proved that he simply drove to the airplane and found the maintenance logs that had a check tucked inside. He signed off the annual and drove away with the check. Ho, Ho, Ho! By the way, this guy is no longer an IA and one year later we took his A&P certificate for the same type of thing. The DME’s are obligated by law to follow the DME Order 8610-4 to administer the mechanics test. The IA’s are required by law to perform inspections in accordance with FAR part 43, appendix D. Mechanics are required by law to perform their work in accordance with FAR part 43 which drives them to the manufacturers instructions for continued airworthiness. If any of these folks do not follow the required guidance they might as well start growing a beard because they fall into the category of a Santa Claus for giving away the farm. The truth is that the Santa's out there are not doing anybody any favors including themselves. The aircraft owner who got a pencil whipped annual or cheap maintenance just put himself and his passengers at risk of injury or death. The mechanic who got an abbreviated oral and practical test is at risk of performing unsafe work and losing his job when it is discovered that his certificate is invalid. The funny part is that this is usually done in the interest of making money. If the Santa’s did their job correctly they could make more money by charging for the actual time it took to do it right. Sooner or later these Santa’s are discovered and I can assure you that the FAA does not believe in Santa and will give these folks a present that they probably are not going to like. Be smart, the only good Santa is the one with the white beard that comes down the chimney on Christmas day. Author: Mike Jordan - Editor
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If you are interested in safety and would like to help the FAASTeam spread the word in your local aviation community, we need to talk to you. Contact your local FAASTeam Program Manager.
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