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RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

RAMP INSPECTIONS
AIRCRAFT RAMP INSPECTION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

OBJECTIVE.
This chapter provides guidance for
sampling the quality of maintenance
and the degree of compliance with
the operator's maintenance
procedures on in service airline
aircraft.
AIRCRAFT RAMP INSPECTION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

GENERAL
CAA Inspection Personnel should be
familiar with the type of aircraft to be
inspected before performing the
inspection. This can be accomplished
by on the job training.
Time constraints may require that two
or more inspectors perform this task in
exterior and interior phases.
COORDINATION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Coordination between AW
and Ops inspectors may be
required
Use of a Identification Card
should relieve airport security
problems.
INITIATION AND PLANNING
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

This task is normally scheduled as part


of an AWI work program.
Planning. The ramp inspection
provides the AWI with a good
opportunity to ensure that the
compliance dates and requirements of
new ADs etc have been met.
Inspectors should become familiar
with current service difficulty
information.
MAINTENANCE RECORDING
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

All maintenance action must be


recorded.
Appropriate procedures should be in the
CMM.
All mechanical discrepancies must be
either corrected or deferred using the
methods identified in the CMM.
MEL procedures must be followed.
Any repetitive MEL procedures must be
accomplished and signed off in the
maintenance log.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT
OTHER DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

Operators may use a system to monitor items


that have been inspected previously and
found to be within serviceable limits. These
items are still airworthy, yet warrant repair at a
later time or when items no longer meet
serviceable limits. This method of deferral
may require repetitive inspections to ensure
continuing airworthiness of the items.
Examples of items that are commonly
deferred in this manner are fuel leak
classifications, dent limitations, and temporary
(airworthy) repairs. (cont.)
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Passenger convenience item (not


safety/airworthiness related) deferrals
should be handled in accordance with
the operator's program.
The maintenance program approved
for an operator must provide for prompt
and orderly repairs of inoperative
items.
CABIN INSPECTION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

This inspection should be performed,


when possible, without disturbing the
loading and unloading of passengers.
The inspection can still be performed
when some passengers are on board
during through flights, but good judgment
must be exercised by inspecting areas
away from the passengers.
Any discrepancy should be brought to the
attention of the flight crew or appropriate
maintenance personnel immediately.
CARGO/COMBINATION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

CONFIGURED AIRCRAFT
Inspection results have disclosed
instances of significant aircraft
structural damage resulting from
careless loading of cargo, such as:
Torn or punctured liners, indicating hidden
damage
Damaged rollers, ball mats, etc., causing
structural damage to the floors
Corrosion and structural damage caused
by improper handling of some hazardous
materials
PERFORMING THE INSPECTION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

This inspection must be accomplished


without interfering with the turnaround of
the aircraft. The following list of items are
just some of the activities that could cause a
delay if interfered with.
Boarding and deplaning of passengers
Servicing
Fueling
Maintenance
Baggage handling
Action to correct any deficiencies must be in
accordance with the CMM.
PROCEDURES
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Initiate Ramp Inspection in Accordance


with CAA Work Program
Prepare for the Inspection
Review the operator's schedule, select the
flight to be inspected, and determine the
type of equipment and ground time.
Determine if any recent problem areas
have been identified for that type of
aircraft.
Determine if recent regulatory changes and
AD requirements affect the aircraft to be
inspected.
INTERVIEW FLIGHT CREW.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Introduce yourself to the flight crew


and describe the purpose and scope of
the inspection.
Inspect Aircraft Maintenance Records
Ensure that all open discrepancies from
the previous flight are resolved per the
operator's manual, prior to departure of
the aircraft.
Review the maintenance records to
determine if repetitive maintenance
problems exist that might indicate a trend
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT
CONDUCT EXTERIOR INSPECTION,
CONDUCT EXTERIOR INSPECTION,
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Accompany a flight crewmember during


the exterior inspection, and inspect the
following, as applicable:
Landing gear and wheel well areas.
Check for:
Any indication of wear, chafing, cracks, dents
Structural integrity of gear and doors
Hydraulic leaks
Tire condition & pressure
Wheel installation and safety locking devices
Brake wear, line security, leaks
FUSELAGE AND PYLONS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Structure for cracks, corrosion, dents, or
other damage
Fasteners (loose, improper, missing)
Condition of radome
Condition of pitot tubes
Static ports (cleanliness and obstructions)
Stall warning devices and other sensors
Antennas (security and indications of
corrosion)
FUSELAGE AND PYLONS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Lavatory servicing areas (evidence of
fresh blue water streaks)
Cargo compartments for integrity of fire
protective liners (no holes or unapproved
tape used for repairs)
Emergency exit identification/markings
Registration marking (legibility)
All lights (general condition, broken
lenses, etc.)
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

WINGS AND PYLONS.


WINGS AND PYLONS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Structure for cracks, corrosion, dents,
damage
Leading edge (dents and/or damage in
line with engine inlets)
Leading edge devices (when open,
actuator leaks, general condition of lines,
wires, and plumbing)
WINGS AND PYLONS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


All lights (general condition, broken lenses,
etc.)
Flaps (cracks, corrosion, dents, and
delamination)
Flap wells (general condition of lines,
wires, and plumbing)
Static eliminators (number missing)
Ailerons and aileron tabs (cracks,
corrosion, dents, delamination)
Missing, loose, or improperly secured
access door/inspection panels and blowout
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

ENGINES.
ENGINES.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Intake for fan blade damage, and oil leaks
Ring cowl for missing or loose fasteners
Cowling doors for security and proper fit
Lower cowling for evidence of fluid leaks
Exhaust for turbine and tailpipe damage,
and evidence of fluids
Reverser doors for stowage and security,
and evidence of leaks
Access doors for security
PROPELLERS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Leading edge of propeller for cracks,
dents, and other damage
Deicer boots for signs of deterioration and
security
Spinners for security, cracks, and
evidence of fluid leaks
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT
EMPENNAGE.
EMPENNAGE.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Leading edge for dents
All lights (general condition, broken
lenses, etc.)
Missing static discharge eliminators
Elevator, rudder, and tabs (cracks,
corrosion, dents, and delamination)
Elevator and rudder power unit for
evidence of hydraulic leaks
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

GROUND SAFETY
Ground safety.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Positioning of support vehicles
Fueling of aircraft, to include the
following:
Refueling pressure
Condition of refueling unit (leaks, filter
change dates, exhaust system, etc.)
Grounding
Fire protection
General fueling procedures
GENERAL CONDITION OF
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

RAMP
Check the following:
Provisions for grounding
Foreign objects on ramp
Fuel spills
General housekeeping/cleanliness
Passenger control
Fire protection
BAGGAGE.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Observe loading and unloading of


baggage compartments to include
the following:
Baggage restraining system
Load distribution
MAINTENANCE RECORDING -
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

MEL
Ensure that all MEL items are deferred in
accordance with the operator's approved MEL.
Review the operator's approved MEL to
determine that conditions, procedures, and
placarding requirements are carried out to
correctly defer specific items.
Note the date when an item was first deferred to
determine if the maximum allowed length of
deferral was exceeded. Accomplish this by
examining maintenance record pages, the
deferred maintenance list, or deferred
maintenance placards or stickers.
MAINTENANCE RECORDING
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Ensure that an airworthiness release,


maintenance record entry, or appropriate
approval for return to service has been
made after the completion of maintenance.
Ensure that the maintenance record
contains the following for each
discrepancy:
Description of the work performed or a
reference to acceptable data
Name or other positive identification of the
person approving the work
Name of the person performing work
INTERIOR INSPECTION
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

GUIDELINES

Examine the airworthiness and


registration certificates. Ensure
Airworthiness and registration
certificates are current and valid and
both certificates contain the same
model, serial, and registration
numbers.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

FLIGHT DECK INSPECTION.


FLIGHT DECK INSPECTION.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Instrument security and range markings
Windows (delamination, scratches,
crazing, and general visibility)
Emergency equipment,Seal on medical kit
Seat belts and shoulder harnesses
Check the following if using cockpit
jumpseat:
Jump seat oxygen system - turn regulator
on and select 100% oxygen
Interphone system
Ensure that the jump seat is serviceable
including restraint
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

CABIN INSPECTION
CABIN INSPECTION.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the cabin to include the


following:
Lavatory. Ensure the following:
Fire extinguisher system is installed in
sealed trash containers
Smoke detection system is installed
Rubbish containers are sealed according
to applicable AD(s)
"No Smoking" placards are posted
Ashtrays are available outside the
lavatory
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

SEATS.

Pull the jump seat down to


ensure seat retracts (those
in the path of exits)
Inspect seat belts for
general condition
CABIN EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

All equipment requiring periodic


inspections should have an
inspection date marked on it. Inspect
the following:
Flight attendant flashlight holder
Slide containers, to ensure containers are
properly marked for content. Check pressure
of slide inflation bottle if visible.
Medical kit/First aid kit
Emergency oxygen (proper pressure and
security)
CABIN EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following for security & general


condition:
Megaphone(s)
Fire extinguishers (security, pressure, seal,)
Liferaft /life preservers, storage markings
Emergency briefing cards (random sample)
General condition of emergency floor path
lighting system
Placement/legibility of all "Emergency Exit"
signs
Placarding for location of all emergency
equipment
PASSENGER SEATS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Ensure the following:


Seats adjacent to emergency exits do not
block exit path
Seats are secure in seat rack (random
sample)
Seat breakover pressure is in accordance
with operator's maintenance program
(random sample)
"Fasten Seat Belt During Flight" placards
are in view from all seats
Seat belts (random sample)
GALLEYS/SERVICE CENTERS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inspect the following:


Trash bin lids for fit and seal
Storage compartment restraints
Stationary cart tiedowns
Lower lobe equipment/restraints
Lift operation
Galley supply stowage
Overhead baggage
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

compartments.

Check for weight restriction


placards and the doors for proper
latching, when applicable
INSPECT CARGO
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

COMPARTMENT
Ensure the following:
Cargo compartment fire protection is
appropriate for its classification
Cargo liner is free from tears and/or
punctures. If these are noted, inspect
structure behind liner for damage. Ensure
sealing tape is proper type and in good
condition.
Cargo door is free of fluid leaks and
structural damage
Fuselage door structure and sill are free
INSPECT CARGO
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

COMPARTMENT

Ensure the following:


Smoke detectors are in satisfactory
condition
Lighting is operable and protective grills
are installed
Cargo flooring is free from structural or
other damage
Pallet positions/compartments are
placarded for position identification and
weight limitations
INSPECT PALLET SYSTEM
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Ensure the
following:
mats are serviceable,
e.g., no broken or
missing balls
Forward, aft, and side
restraints are
serviceable
Roller assemblies are
secure and have no
missing or broken
rollers
CARGO COMPARTMENT -
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

GENERAL
Ensure the 9 g forward restraint net is
serviceable, if applicable.
Ensure that cargo restraints for bulk loaded
cargo are adequate, if applicable.
Inspect cabin mounted equipment.
Inspect fire extinguishers for inspection due
dates and pressure.
Inspect load manifest for Hazardous
Material. If present, determine crew
knowledge of location and labeling of
hazardous materials and if proper paperwork
DEBRIEF CREW
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Inform the flight crew or appropriate


personnel that the inspection has been
completed. Discuss the discrepancies
brought to the operator's attention
during the inspection.
Examine Maintenance Record Entries.
Ensure that the operator has recorded
all discrepancies noted during this
inspection. If time is available, monitor
the operator's corrective actions
ANALYZE FINDINGS.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Analyze each finding to determine if


the discrepancies are the result of
improper maintenance and/or missing
or inadequate maintenance/inspection
procedures
INSPECTION OUTCOMES
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

File report Form


Completion of this task can result in
the following:
Appropriate enforcement action when
analysis of the findings disclose improper
maintenance.
Written notification to the operator of the
necessary changes to the manual, when
analysis of the findings disclose missing
or inadequate maintenance/inspection
procedures.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES.
RAMP INSPECTIONS OF OPERATORS AIRCRAFT

Based on inspection findings,


determine if closer surveillance,
additional enforcement, other job
tasks, and/or additional coordination
between Central Office and Regional
Offices are required to
regain compliance.

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