An invitation to talk with the FSDO

[mhorowit]

Because of my recent accident, I have
been asked to make an appointment with the local FSDO for a
"re-examination". The letter says:" "The exam will consist of
appropriate Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards, Oral Exam,
Areas of Operation I, II, and III with emphasis on tail wheel aircraft
ground operations and emphasis on Title 14 of the Code of ......Part
61 and 91"

Anyone had a similar experience? Doesn't look like any flying will be
required. -Wondering what sections of Parts 61/91 they will want to
discuss - Mike

[Jim Herpst]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

You will probably get a better response (hopefully) from an instructor that uses our site or at least someone that has an UP TO DATE F.A.R book.
My bet is the sections they are referencing have to do with the rules that we/they have about hand propping operations.

Good luck. Does not sound like they are coming down too hard on you.

[mhorowit]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

Good luck. Does not sound like they are coming down too hard on you.

Yeah; my instructor says if they had suspended my ticket, they would not have left any doubt.

My real concern is what the insurance folks will say - Mike

[VictorBravo]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

The insurance issue may not be pretty. Sorry. Been there.

I would review the stuff the FAA is testing you on several times before your visit. A perfect test score and the right attitude should minimize that part of the problem. Perhaps remind them that this was strictly a ground operations accident, and that it was not in the "flying" realm whatsoever. That's probably why you are not going to be flight tested.

One suggestion: In a very humorous humble way, perhaps inform the friendly government folks that your insurance company is going to punish you a lot harder than the FAA could ever dream of.

Providing a good laugh at the right time has gotten me out of several fistfights that I could never have won.

[NC36454]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

Mike,
Unless you have had a scrape with the FAA or you are a new pilot, this sounds a little much to me. Has their investigation shown that there was no malfunction with the plane...has there investigation already been finalized to show that you were negligent (since they've already decided to make YOU jump through hoops?!?! These are all questions that I would expect my attorney to ask before I said ONE SINGLE WORD to the FAA. (yes, there are times when a good lawyer is handy...my ex-wife lives in a trailer now instead of MY house because of one)

We all have a lot tied up in these old planes. A few hundred dollars spent now might save you thousands of dollars later. (or even your license)

Just trying to help...(please...no flames)
Ken

[Steve Green]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

Mike,

I am currently working (as an instructor) with a pilot on his "709 ride", here in Denver (the pilot has more "issues" than you, only one of which is a landing accident). The FAA inspector involved has been great to work with, and very understanding.

He will be required to take a flight check, as well as a brief ground review. The flight check will specifically include crosswind takeoffs and landings, the primary issue that brought him to the FAA's attention. We have done a lot of training, both flight and ground, with special attention to that area.

I am currently working with the pilot, with the expectation that he will fly to commercial pilot standards for his check ride, even though I am not aware that the FAA will require that. (He is a private pilot.) Feel free to contact me off line if there is anything I can do to help out.

As a side note, the FAA is in the process of studying the concept of making the tailwheel endorsement a rating in the not too distant future. (forewarned is forearmed.) My tailwheel endorsement completion standards are being revised to reflect the commercial pilot PTS, with the hopes of diverting that possibility, but I think it will happen, anyway.

Best of luck, call if we can help.

[lktiller]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

Mike, I have had the experience of experiencing what you are now experiencing!! Not too many years ago.
Yes, I had to take two hours of ground training from and A/P. This consisted of studying the checklists, proving I understood the checklists, then doing it again. The instructor also covered the finer paperwork requirements of an annual inspection.
I was also required to take two hours of flight training. Happened that the suggested instructor had a '46 Taylorcraft in which he gave me the training. Off airport landings, wet grass landing/takeoff, wheel landings, short/soft field, etc. Turned out to be fun.
Fortunately, I was in the frame of mind to learn from the experience. The FAA recognized that fact and destroyed the evidence after two years.

My insurance company totaled the t-craft. I bought it back for rebuilding. The company was very understanding and helpful. I still have non-flying hull insurance on this t-craft.
Also no problems getting insurance on another flying t-craft.

[mhorowit]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

Also no problems getting insurance on another flying t-craft.

Larry - who's your insurance? - Mike

[denny]

Re: An invitation to talk with the FSDO

I would not want to miss lead anyone here or scare anyone, however a re-examination is very serious. If you fail the re-examina the FSDO will start action to take you certificate away and this is covered under U.S .Code section 44709.

For your part 61 know you limitations as a pilot in accordance with the rules. The questions will be based on your ratings you hold. Also the FSDO will base the questions on what lead up to the accident and how you responed in accordace with the emergency procedures. Make sure you know the emergency procedures for the aircraft you were operating.

Part 91 will be ower/operator responsibilies, preflight, and operatal rules day VFR/IFR again base in the incident you were involved in.

As a work of caution don't B.S. the Inspector if you don't know the answer to something just say you cannot recall right now because you are under stress or something to that effect, but will certainly read up on it again. If for some reason you just don't know the answer to something be up front and say you don't know off hand. Keep in mind you passed an written and oral once and the FSDO is wanting to know if you still obtain the same level of knowledge or maybe need some additional training.

Just one man's opinion.

Stache