RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T RAMP INSPECTIONS

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T AIRCRAFT RAMP INSPECTION

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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T AIRCRAFT RAMP INSPECTION

GENERALCAA 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T COORDINATION

Coordination between AW and Ops inspectors may be required

Use of a Identification Card should relieve airport security problems.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T INITIATION AND PLANNING

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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T MAINTENANCE RECORDINGAll 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TOTHER 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.)

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T CABIN INSPECTIONThis 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TCARGO/COMBINATION CONFIGURED AIRCRAFTInspection 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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TPERFORMING THE INSPECTIONThis 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T PROCEDURESInitiate Ramp Inspection in Accordance

with CAA Work ProgramPrepare 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T INTERVIEW FLIGHT CREW.

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TCONDUCT EXTERIOR INSPECTION,

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TCONDUCT EXTERIOR INSPECTION,

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– Corrosion

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T 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)

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T FUSELAGE AND PYLONS.

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.)

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T WINGS AND PYLONS.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T WINGS AND PYLONS.

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)

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T WINGS AND PYLONS. 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 panels

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T ENGINES.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T ENGINES.

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T 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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T EMPENNAGE.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T EMPENNAGE.

Inspect the following:Leading edge for dentsAll lights (general condition, broken

lenses, etc.)Missing static discharge eliminatorsElevator, rudder, and tabs (cracks,

corrosion, dents, and delamination)Elevator and rudder power unit for

evidence of hydraulic leaks

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T GROUND SAFETY

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T Ground safety. Inspect the following:Positioning of support vehiclesFueling 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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TGENERAL CONDITION OF RAMP

Check the following:Provisions for groundingForeign objects on rampFuel spillsGeneral housekeeping/cleanlinessPassenger controlFire protection

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T BAGGAGE.

Observe loading and unloading of baggage compartments to include the following:– Baggage restraining system– Load distribution

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TMAINTENANCE RECORDING - 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TMAINTENANCE RECORDINGEnsure 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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TINTERIOR INSPECTION 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T FLIGHT DECK INSPECTION.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T FLIGHT DECK INSPECTION. 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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T CABIN INSPECTION

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T CABIN INSPECTION.

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T FLIGHT ATTENDANT SEATS.

– Pull the jump seat down to ensure seat retracts (those in the path of exits)

– Inspect seat belts for general condition

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TCABIN EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.

All equipment requiring periodic inspections should have an inspection date marked on it. Inspect the following:

Flight attendant flashlight holderSlide containers, to ensure containers are

properly marked for content. Check pressure of slide inflation bottle if visible.

Medical kit/First aid kitEmergency oxygen (proper pressure and

security)

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TCABIN EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.

Inspect the following for security & general condition:

Megaphone(s)Fire extinguishers (security, pressure, seal,)Liferaft /life preservers, storage markingsEmergency briefing cards (random sample)General condition of emergency floor path

lighting systemPlacement/legibility of all "Emergency Exit"

signsPlacarding for location of all emergency

equipment

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T 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 (random sample)

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TGALLEYS/SERVICE CENTERS.

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T Overhead baggage compartments.

Check for weight restriction placards and the doors for proper latching, when applicable

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TINSPECT CARGO COMPARTMENTEnsure 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 of damage

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TINSPECT CARGO 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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T INSPECT PALLET SYSTEM

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

TCARGO COMPARTMENT - GENERALEnsure 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 is on board.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T DEBRIEF CREW

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T ANALYZE FINDINGS.

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

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T INSPECTION OUTCOMES

File report FormCompletion 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.

RA

MP

INS

PE

CT

ION

S O

F O

PE

RA

TO

RS

AIR

CR

AF

T FUTURE ACTIVITIES.

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.