Repairman Certificate Joke

roadrunner20 · #1 06-20-2006, 08:33 PM

I don't place the FAA in high regard and it got worse today.

BTW, FAA.gov doesn't display the FSDO address on their site.
My FSDO is located in an office building without any indication outside the building. The office lobby doesn't list the office is in suite #310.
Fortunately, I knew this. The peephole door was well covered with warning signs about "ID required, will inspect bags, blah, blah blah.
The receptionist buzz me in for my schedule appointment & my interview for the Repairman Certificate.

My FAA interviewer walks by me without eye contact, handshake or a greeting and said "follow me". That's it. Once in the room, she said, "show me what you got". I gave her my id, AC registration, ops limitation, AW inspection, & my repairman app. I placed my builders log and other logs on the table. She made me do the app over as I only had my middle initial and not my full middle name and the date. I had "06" and not "2006". While I was doing that, she said she'd get me my certificate. She came back and had me sign 2 copies and told me to "fly safely".

I thought, "You've got to be kidding me".
I asked her if she wanted to see my builder's log and she declined & said it wasn't necessary.
No interview. Not even a peek of the log.
This is the log that all of us have discussed in detail & made sure we're in the picture while building...

The only good part about all this is that I was outta there in 10 minutes and I won't have to deal with them again.

I'm hope all the FSDOs are not like this one.
I just thought I'd share my experience

Tom Schad · #2 06-20-2006, 08:54 PM

At least you got it! I submitted my paperwork to the local FISO and didn't even get a reply. I called the inspector and he wanted to know why I wanted one since I already had an A&P. My reply was that I was eligible for it since I had build the airplane and wanted it. Six months later, I don't have it or an explination why it was denied!

Hwood · #3 06-20-2006, 08:56 PM

So Dan, was she good looking?

Ironflight · #4 06-20-2006, 09:00 PM

When I got mine last fall, the inspector saw my NASA badge he met me in the lobby, and asked if I knew a couple of guys. Well, they happen to work for me, and years back, they flew with him...so we spent about 10 minutes talking about planes and helicopters, he quickly glanced at my application and the letter my DAR (Mel) gave me recommending me for the certificate, and he went off to type it up. Didn't need to see anything else. Ah well...the same FSDO gave me endless grief a few years back while trying to install STC'd fuel tanks in my old Grumman. I have no complaints getting out of there without a battle!

Paul

RV7Guy · #5 06-20-2006, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanLandry

The only good part about all this is that I was outta there in 10 minutes and I won't have to deal with them again.

Jeez Dan, what are complaining about, you got the ticket didn't you?

You wanna challenge, try to return something to Best Buy. Maybe that'll make you feel better

jclark · #6 06-20-2006, 09:45 PM

And don't look a gift horse in the mouth! :-)

So there you go ... trying to make it REALLY tough on us who are coming behind you. When she reads that message, I feel REALLY sorry for the next person to show up. :-) :-)

Seriously, congrats and be thankful it did not go the OTHER way.

James

jonbakerok · #7 06-21-2006, 07:03 AM

What you're saying is that she accepted the recommendation of your DAR. That's what they're supposed to do. You got you cert that day? My app sat in some guy's in-basket for six months. But I can't complain too much since I didn't even have to show up in person.

Those of us who have been in the service know that the most important aspect of any government operation is the paperwork. Obviously, if they're going to let you sign off your own airplane, you have to at least prove you can spell your middle name! I'm surprised your DAR didn't explain that to you.

Rick S. · #8 06-21-2006, 07:21 AM

"You wanna challenge, try to return something to Best Buy. Maybe that'll make you feel better"

Ain't that the truth! Too bad the medical isn't that easy

rv8ch · #9 06-21-2006, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanLandry

...She made me do the app over as I only had my middle initial and not my full middle name and the date. ...

Is the middle name required? I thought everything just had to match, and if you didn't use your middle name on the original paperwork, then you wouldn't need it on subsequent paperwork? I guess it can't hurt to just always use the full middle name, but often Los Federales just leave enough space for the initial.

Mel · #10 06-21-2006, 07:24 AM

When I do an aircraft certification, I assist the builder with the repairman certificate application, explaining the little "pittfalls" like entering height in inches, etc. I also issue a letter of recommendation, as Paul mentioned, and a list of what to take for the FAA interview. The standard proceedure is for the FAA inspector to interview the applicant and he/she should issue the temporary certificate at that time. I have found in many cases that the inspector will wave the interview because of my letter. Even though I have known of people getting their certificate by mail, this isn't supposed to happen. The FAA inspector is supposed to interview you in person.
Several years ago, it was proposed to allow the DARs to issue the certificate, but since it is technically an "airman certificate" it was determined that it should be issued by FAA inspectors only.