ARO.RAMP.125 Conduct of ramp inspections

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS ON THE CATEGORISATION OF FINDINGS Inspectors should follow the inspection instructions as defined in the ramp inspection manual on the categorisation of findings established by the Agency for inspections performed on aircraft used by third country operators (SAFA) and on aircraft used by operators under the regulatory oversight of another Member State (SACA).

GENERAL

(a)The competent authority should put in place appropriate procedures to allow the inspecting team unrestricted access to the aircraft to be inspected. In this respect ramp inspectors should possess adequate credentials.

(b)The inspection should start as soon as possible and be as comprehensive as possible within the time and resources available. This means that if only a limited amount of time or resources is available, not all inspection items but a reduced number of them, may be verified. According to the time and resources available for a ramp inspection, the items that are to be inspected should be selected accordingly, in conformity with the objectives of the ramp inspection programme. Items not being inspected may be inspected during a next inspection.

(c)During the inspection, ramp inspectors should verify the rectification of previously identified non-compliances. Whenever the time available does not permit a full inspection, the items affected by such non-compliances should be prioritised over other items.

(d)Ramp inspectors should not open by themselves any hatches, doors or panels, which are not intended to be operated by passengers during normal operations, nor should they operate or interfere with any aircraft controls or equipment. When such actions are required for the scope of the inspection, the ramp inspectors should request the assistance of the operator’s personnel (flight crew, cabin crew, ground crew).

(e)During an inspection prior to departure, the competent authority should inform the operator of any potential non-compliance with manufacturer’s standards after the crew has confirmed that the pre-flight inspection has been performed.

(f)The items to be inspected should be selected from the Proof of Inspection (POI).

(g)Items which have been inspected, as well as any possible findings and observations, should be recorded on the POI and in the ramp inspection tool.

PROOF OF INSPECTION

(a)On completion of the ramp inspection, information about its results should be provided to the pilot-in-command/commander or, in his/her absence, to another member of the flight crew or a representative of the operator, using the Proof of Inspection (POI) form provided as an appendix to the ramp inspection manual, regardless of whether or not findings have been identified. When completing the Proof of Inspection (POI), the following should be taken into account:

(1)Only the remarks mentioned in the POI should be reported as findings in the final ramp inspection report. Any other relevant information which was not included in the POI should only be reported in the final report as a general remark under ‘G’ or in the additional information box.

(2)When handing over the POI to the pilot-in-command/commander or operator representative, the inspector should ask him/her to sign the POI whilst explaining that the signature does in no way imply acceptance of the listed findings. The signature only confirms that the POI has been received by the pilot-in-command/operator representative, and that the aircraft has been inspected on the date and at the place indicated. A refusal to sign by the recipient should be recorded in the document.

(b)POIs may be completed electronically, including the required signatures, and may be printed on site or delivered electronically (e.g. by e-mail).