VOLUME 2.

AIR OPERATOR ADMINISTRATION

Chapter 15. AIRCRAFT RAMP INSPECTION

15.1. OBJECTIVE.

This chapter provides general guidance for sampling the quality of maintenance and the degree of
compliance with the operator's maintenance procedures on in service airline aircraft.

Detailed auditing procedures are contained in Chapter 17 of this manual. Interior and exterior
inspection guides are contained in appendix 1 & 2

15.2 GENERAL

A. CAA Inspection Personnel

(1) It is important that Airworthiness Inspectors (AWIs) become familiar with the
type of aircraft to be inspected before performing the inspection. This can be
accomplished by on the job training.

(2) Due to the hub and spoke concept, many aircraft have less than one hour ground
time. To ensure that the inspection is performed adequately, it is recommended
that two inspectors perform this task in exterior and interior phases.

B. Coordination

(1) Airworthiness and Operations Inspectors possess various degrees and types of
expertise and experience. An AWI who needs additional information or
guidance should coordinate with personnel experienced in that particular
specialty.

(2) Regional units may need to coordinate with Central Office (CO) as they do not
always have access to the operator's maintenance procedures manual. In
addition, when discrepancies are found, the Regional unit should communicate
with CO.

C. Use of a Identification Card. Conflicts are occurring between AWIs performing ramp
inspections and airport security personnel allowing access to aircraft and other secure
areas. Proper use of airport identification badges should relieve some of these problems.

15.3 INITIATION AND PLANNING

A. Initiation. This task is scheduled as part of the work program. Additional inspections are
initiated by national, regional, or district office special requirements.

B. Planning. The ramp inspection provides the AWI with a good opportunity to ensure that
the compliance dates and requirements of new Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and

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 regulatory revisions have been met. ADs, Service Difficulty Report Summaries,
Maintenance/Airworthiness Bulletins, and previous reports should be reviewed, when
available, so as to become familiar with current service difficulty information.

15.4 MAINTENANCE RECORDS

A. Regulations require that maintenance be recorded whenever it is performed prior to an

approval for return to service. The operator's maintenance procedures manual should
describe the procedures for ensuring that these recording requirements are met, including
the specific instructions on when an airworthiness release or appropriate maintenance log
entry is required.

B. All mechanical discrepancies entered in the maintenance log must be either corrected or
deferred using the methods identified in the operator's maintenance procedures manual.

C. The Minimum Equipment List has certain procedures and conditions that must be met
prior to deferring the item(s).

(1) These procedures are identified by "O", "M", and "O/M" and are normally
contained in the operator's approved Minimum Equipment List. There are
occasions in which the list references these procedures to another document.

(2) When reviewing the records for Minimum Equipment List compliance, the AWI
must determine what procedures are required for deferral and ensure that these
procedures are accomplished. Any MEL time limits must be adhered to or
evidence of concessions must be produced

(3) The AWI must ensure that all applicable repetitive Minimum Equipment List
procedures are accomplished for those items that are deferred and are continuing
to be deferred through the station. These repetitive maintenance procedures must
be signed off in the maintenance log as evidence that the procedures were
accomplished.

15.5 DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

A. Minimum Equipment List/Deferred Maintenance. The operator's approved Minimum

Equipment List allows the operator to continue a flight or series of flights with certain
inoperative equipment. The continued operation must meet the requirements of the
Minimum Equipment List deferral classification and the requirements for the equipment
loss.

B. Other Deferred Maintenance

(1) Operators frequently 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.

(2) Passenger convenience item (not safety/airworthiness related) deferrals should

be handled in accordance with the operator's program.

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 C. The maintenance program approved for an operator must provide for prompt and orderly
repairs of inoperative items.

15.6. CABIN INSPECTION

A. 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.

B. Any discrepancy should be brought to the attention of the flight crew or appropriate
maintenance personnel immediately.

15.7 CARGO/COMBINATION CONFIGURED AIRCRAFT

A. 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 to circumferential stringers,

fuselage skin, bulkheads and decreasing fire extinguishing effectiveness.
* Damaged rollers, ball mats, etc., causing significant structural damage to the floors
* Corrosion and structural damage caused by improper handling of some hazardous
materials

B. The surveillance of hazardous material handling is not the primary function of the AW
inspector. The AWI should contact the appropriate Operations Inspector if discrepancies
are noted in the handling of hazardous materials.

15.8 PERFORMING THE RAMP INSPECTION

A. 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
in the turnaround time if interfered with.

* Boarding and deplaning of passengers

* Servicing
* Fueling
* Maintenance
* Baggage handling
* Any other operator activity

B. Any discrepancies noted must be brought to the attention of appropriate personnel

immediately, to allow the operator the opportunity to take corrective action without
interrupting the flight schedule. The AWI must verify that all corrective actions taken
were in accordance with the requirements of the operator's maintenance procedures
manual.

15.9 PROCEDURES

A. Initiate Ramp Inspection in Accordance with the Office Work Program

B. Prepare for the Inspection

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 (1) Review the operator's schedule, select the flight to be inspected, and determine
the type of equipment and ground time.

(2) Determine if any recent problem areas have been identified for that type of
aircraft.

(3) Determine if recent regulatory changes and AD requirements affect the aircraft
to be inspected.

C. Conduct Exterior Inspection, as Applicable. Perform this inspection in accordance with

the Exterior Inspection Guidelines found in Appendix 2 of this document.

D. Interview Flight Crew. Introduce yourself to the flight crew and describe the purpose and
scope of the inspection.

E. Inspect Aircraft Maintenance Records

(1) Ensure that all open discrepancies from the previous flight are resolved per the
operator's manual, prior to departure of the aircraft.

(2) Review the maintenance records to determine if repetitive maintenance

problems exist that might indicate a trend.

(3) Ensure that all Minimum Equipment List items are deferred in accordance with
the provisions of the operator's approved Minimum Equipment List.

(a) Review the operator's approved Minimum Equipment List to determine

that conditions, procedures, and placarding requirements were
accomplished to correctly defer specific items.

(b) 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.

(4) Ensure that an airworthiness release, maintenance record entry, or appropriate

approval for return to service has been made after the completion of
maintenance.

(5) 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, if outside the organization

F. Perform Interior Inspection, as Applicable. Perform this inspection in accordance with,

the Interior Inspection Guidelines found in Appendix 1 of this document.

G. Debrief Operator. 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.

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 H. 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
I. Analyze Findings. Analyze each finding to determine if the discrepancies are the result of
improper maintenance and/or missing or inadequate maintenance/inspection procedures.

15.10 TASK OUTCOMES

A. File report Form

B. Completion of this task can result in the following:

(1) Appropriate enforcement action when analysis of the findings disclose improper
maintenance.

(2) Written notification to the operator of the necessary changes to the manual,
when analysis of the findings disclose missing or inadequate
maintenance/inspection procedures.

(3) Communication with Central office by the regional office of the finding
discrepancies.

C. Document Task. File all supporting paperwork in the operator's office file.

15.11 FUTURE ACTIVITIES.

Based on inspection findings, determine if closer surveillance, additional enforcement, other job
tasks, and/or additional coordination between CO and ROs are required to regain compliance.

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Appendix 1
INTERIOR INSPECTION GUIDELINES

A. Examine the airworthiness and registration certificates. Ensure the following:

 Airworthiness and registration certificates are current and valid
 Both certificates contain the same model, serial, and registration numbers
 Temporary registration is current
 Signatures are in permanent-type ink

B. Flight Deck Inspection. Inspect the following:

(1) Instrument security and range markings
(2) Windows (delamination, scratches, crazing, and general visibility)
(3) Emergency equipment
(4) Seal on medical kit (if located on flight deck)
(5) Seat belts and shoulder harnesses (Technical Standard Order marking, metal to metal latching, and
general condition)
(6) Check the following if using cockpit jumpseat:
 Jump seat oxygen system - turn regulator on and select 100% oxygen
 Interphone system - select Comm 1 and Comm 2 to ensure systems are working
(7) When the most forward jump seat is in the cabin, coordinate with the crew for connecting the
headset and adapter cables.
(8) Ensure that the jump seat is serviceable and that seat belt and shoulder harnesses are available

C. Cabin Inspection. Inspect the cabin to include the following:

(1) Lavatory. Ensure the following:
 Fire extinguisher system is installed in sealed trash containers
 Smoke detection system is installed
 Trash containers are sealed according to applicable Airworthiness Directive(s)
 "No Smoking" placards are posted
 Ashtrays are available outside the lavatory
(2) Flight attendant seats.
 Pull the jump seat down to ensure seat retracts (those in the path of exits)
 Inspect seat belts for Technical Standard Order marking, metal to metal latching and general
condition
(3) Cabin emergency equipment. 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 (if not checked on flight deck)
 First aid kit
 Emergency oxygen (proper pressure and security)
 Megaphone(s) (security and general condition)
 Fire extinguishers (security, pressure, seal,)
 Liferaft storage markings (if raft is required)
 Emergency briefing cards (random sample)
 General condition of emergency floor path lighting system
 Placement of all "Emergency Exit" signs
 Presence and legibility of "Emergency Exit" operation instructions
 Placarding for location of all emergency equipment
 Life preservers (vests)

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 (4) Passenger seats. 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 have metal to metal latches and are in good general condition (random sample)
(5) Galleys/service centers. Inspect the following:
 Trash bin lids for fit
 Storage compartment restraints
 Stationary cart tiedowns
 Lower lobe equipment/restraints
 Lift operation
 Galley supply stowage
(6) Overhead baggage compartments. Check for weight restriction placards and the doors for proper
latching, when applicable

D. Inspect cargo compartment

(1) 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, e.g., stringers, circumferentials, etc. 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 of damage
 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
(2) Inspect pallet system, if applicable. Ensure the following:
 Ball 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
(3) Ensure the 9 g forward restraint net is serviceable, if applicable.
(4) Ensure that cargo restraints for bulk loaded cargo are adequate, if applicable.
(5) Inspect cabin mounted equipment.
(6) Inspect fire extinguishers for inspection due dates and pressure.
(7) Inspect load manifest for Hazardous Material. If present, determine crew knowledge of the
following:
 Location and labeling of hazardous materials
 Special requirements, if required
 If proper paperwork is on board

(8) Ensure captain is aware of the following responsibilities:

 Inspection of cargo to ensure proper load distribution
 Ensuring loads do not exceed compartment or position limits
 Ensuring loads are being properly restrained.

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 Appendix 2
EXTERIOR INSPECTION GUIDELINES

A. Accompany a flight crewmember during the exterior inspection, if possible, and inspect the
following, as applicable:

(1) Landing gear and wheel well areas. Check for the following:

* Any indication of wear, chafing lines, chafing wires, cracks, dents, or other damage
* Structural integrity of gear and doors (cracks, dents, or other damage)
* Hydraulic leaks (gear struts, actuators, steering valves, etc.)
* Tire condition
* Tire pressure (if pressure indicators are installed)
* Wheel installation and safety locking devices
* Wear, line security, leaks, and installation of brakes
* Corrosion

(2) Fuselage and pylons. 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)
* 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.)

(3) Wings and pylons. Inspect the following:

* Structure for cracks, corrosion, dents, or other 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)
* 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
panels

(4) Engines. Inspect the following:

* Intake for fan blade damage, and oil leaks

* Ring cowl for missing or loose fasteners

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 * 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

(5) Propellers. 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

(6) Empennage. 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

(7) Ground safety. Inspect the following:

(a) Positioning of support vehicles

(b) 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

(c) General condition of ramp, to include the following:

* Provisions for grounding

* Foreign objects on ramp
* Fuel spills
* General housekeeping/cleanliness
* Passenger control
* Fire protection

(8) Baggage. Observe loading and unloading of baggage compartments to include the
following:

* Baggage restraining system

* Load distribution

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