Denny's Maintenance Newsletter March 2005

[Denny of Oakland]

I publish a FREE monthly aviation newsletter called “The Aviator” it contains articles mostly from a maintenance point of view. This month’s issue March 2005 can also be found on line. If you want to be removed from this listing please contact me by e-mail.

The Aviator on the web at: http://www.navioneer.org/ Look under forms and Maintenance.

This month’s issue March 2005:

IA’s Primary Responsibility
About the Annual Inspection
Progressive Inspections
Paperwork Review
Aircraft Configuration Annual Inspection
A&P Authorizations
Basic Hand Tool for Engine Repair
Equivalent Tools
Dents Limits
Annual/100-Hour Inspection Requirements
Doing A Good Pre-Flight
Air Has Viscosity
Preventive Maintenance
Return to Service
IA Activity Report
Annual Inspection Weight and Balance Requirements
Nuts
Installing Cotter Pins
Automotive Gas and Oil Fittings
Manuals for pre-war B models
Operator Responsibility
Engine Power-Loss Accidents
Reporting Violations
Denny’s Book Update

Denny of Oakland

[ovquick]

I read your Mar newsletter, and would like to know what your thoughts are when part of the problem is one of your associates at "the dark side".
It does no good to report when the investigator is not interested in the repair manual requirements, nor wants to make waves evidently.
Orville(not my real name)

[Denny of Oakland]

Since I do not know your name or the situation you are referring to I will be very general in a response. However I did re-read the article I wrote in my newsletter. If you know or believe a person on the dark side (FAA Inspector) person is not enforcing the rules you can and should contact the local FSDO and report it to the office manager.

Having said that you can write a letter of complaint to the local FSDO stating the situation, persons involved, who, what, when and where. The FAA is required to respond to every written compliant by law. As a back-up you can contact the FAA Aviation Safety Hotline at (800) 255-1111.

This will allow you to report unsafe practices or conditions that may affect aviation safety. Your identity may be kept CONFIDENTIAL. FAA personnel are available 24-hours a day to receive report of an urgent, time-critical nature.

Denny of Oakland

[Denny of Oakland]

I forgot to mention my newsletter does state:

"This section does not apply to complaints against the Administrator or employees of the FAA acting within the scope of their employment. The ball is in your court."

The statement within the scompe of their employment means just that. A person acting outside of their employment scope puts that person at risk of personnel action or even loss of employment. This is covered in FAA Order 8300.10 Vol. 1 and other FAA Orders.

Denny of Oakland

[ovquick]

I may do that, however since I didn't file a complaint some 8 months ago( I only threatened my employers) now I fear those "on the dark side" will simply write the complaint off to "another disgruntled ex-employee".
Your associate is not ignoring the rules, I believe he is simply not cognizant of the manufactures requirements in the propeller overhaul manuals and AD's and since he doesn't look for violations, there must not be any.
The whole idea is getting stuff done per the manual and if tha's not going to happen I'm not going to waste anyones time with a complaint.
You can reach me at ovquick@yahoo.com
Orville

[Presley Marie]

Hi
I'm sure that their program is fine. However, suggest that you explore alternatives as well. It is important to look into all possible paths toward your goals before you commit to anything.A university program will often cost much more than training at a typical flight school, and there isn't much advantage to going to an aviation university because at the end of the day, a pilot certificate is a pilot certificate and hours are hours, no matter where you got them. In addition, many people recommend getting a degree outside of aviation to diversify your experiences and to serve as a backup plan.