News, FAA looks at suspect mechanics. (airline, flight, information, requirements)

[John1960]

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration is struggling to resolve 75 of an initial 2,000 cases in which students are suspected of obtaining fraudulent aviation mechanic certificates that helped them secure potentially sensitive jobs throughout the aviation industry.

FAA looks at suspect mechanics - USATODAY.com

[South Range Family]

It looks like the news agencies are trying to dig up every little piece of dirt that they can because of the Southwest incident. It goes to show how safe the industry really is. They had to go back over 10 years to find something.

If I remember correctly, they all met the requirements to be tested. The guy running the testing facility wasn't doing is part of actually giving all 4 tests. Powerplant, airframe, and General knowledge are the written tests, The oral & practical test is where you actually have to demonstrate your ability to work on airplanes while they are firing oral questions at you.

The 75 missing mechanics are most likely dead, or no longer working in aviation. If you are out of the industry for more than 2 years, your license goes null and void.

[Crew Chief]

Thanks, South Range Family; it's great having an expert in the airline industry to counter all the media misinformation!

[GCSTroop]

Actually, your A&P license is good until suspended, revoked, or voluntarily surrendered. It's one of the questions I was asked on the "General" exam when I got mine.

[South Range Family]

FAR 65.83

FAR Part 65 Sec. 65.83 effective as of 08/10/1962

This is a Federal document. Copy right rules do not apply.

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Federal Aviation Regulation



Sec. 65.83
Sec. 65.83

Part 65 CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS
Subpart D -- Mechanics

Sec. 65.83

Recent experience requirements.

A certificated mechanic may not exercise the privileges of his certificate and rating unless, within the preceding 24 months --
(a) The Administrator has found that he is able to do that work; or
(b) He has, for at least 6 months --
(1) Served as a mechanic under his certificate and rating;
(2) Technically supervised other mechanics;
(3) Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance or alteration of aircraft; or
(4) Been engaged in any combination of paragraph (b) (1), (2), or (3) of this section.

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When the Government writes anything that needs interpretation, They will NEVER rule in your favor. AA is learning that hard lesson right now.

[GCSTroop]

I was referring to this one:

§ 65.15 Duration of certificates.
(a) Except for repairman certificates, a certificate or rating issued under this part is effective until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

(b) Unless it is sooner surrendered, suspended, or revoked, a repairman certificate is effective until the holder is relieved from the duties for which the holder was employed and certificated.

(c) The holder of a certificate issued under this part that is suspended, revoked, or no longer effective shall return it to the Administrator.

(d) Except for temporary certificates issued under §65.13, the holder of a paper certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2013.

But you are right about the government. They're a bunch of weasels as regards how to interpret things. Especially if they've got a black eye (which it seems they do after the whole SWA thing)