When Would a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector Ground Their Own Plane?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an essential regulatory body that oversees the maintenance and safety of aircraft in the United States. However, even FAA inspectors, who are entrusted with ensuring aircraft are airworthy, sometimes find themselves faced with the decision to ground their own private planes. This article explores the circumstances under which a FAA inspector might need to ground their aircraft, drawing on a personal anecdote to illustrate the challenges involved.

Grounding an FAA Inspector's Plane Due to Airworthiness Concerns

Anytime there is an airworthiness question pertaining to an individual aircraft or its type, it is necessary to ground the plane until the issue is resolved. This holds true for any aircraft, be it a commercial airliner or a personal plane like a Swift. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are clear that if an aircraft is deemed to be in a condition that endangers safety, it must be grounded. This is regardless of who owns or operates the plane.

Personal anecdotes often provide a human touch to regulatory issues. During my time working as a dispatcher for an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) under a GADO (General Aviation District Office) in the same hangar as an FAA examiner, I got to witness firsthand the care and dedication this inspector had for his Swift aircraft. He was well-liked by everyone, particularly by the pilots with whom he shared his love of aviation.

A Personal Anecdote: The Grounded Swift

The FAA examiner, whom we fondly called "Jim," was a beloved figure in the aviation community. He earned his airline transport pilot certificate for a turbine-powered airplane. Although he didn't pursue this career, he became a highly regarded FAA examiner, overseeing the airworthiness of aircraft in the region. Jim loved to fly and shared his beautiful Swift with me for multi-engine and commercial ratings. His Swift was a sharp, well-maintained bare aluminum alloy plane with updated avionics, exuding a new plane smell and featuring new rolled pleated leather seats. It was a perfectly fitting two-seater due to the radio gear in the back, and we were always delighted to see him arrive with his aircraft.

Jim was not only an aviation enthusiast but also a relaxed pilot with an uncanny ability to land his Swift. Given its challenging design as a powerful tail dragger, it is notoriously difficult to land, occasionally wanting to ground-loop. Yet, Jim always managed to land smoothly, even in challenging conditions. We often enjoyed meeting for a chat and discussing a wide array of aviation topics with Jim and other veterans who had flown in wars and continued to fly after.

Jim's Retirement and the Fate of His Swift

Tragically, Jim became ill just as he was planning to retire. He passed away, leaving behind his beloved Swift. The aircraft was stored in a hanger near the airport where Jim used to work. Sadly, his plane was not properly managed after his passing. Mice managed to find their way into the tail cone, likely through the gear and into the enclosed space. They nested and left behind urine, which reacted with the metal and eventually rotted the tail off the aircraft.

This incident made the Swift essentially worthless. The classic aircraft, with its unique history and design, was no longer airworthy. The wings were pulled off, and the plane was loaded onto a trailer to be dismantled and sold for its parts—engine, propeller, avionics, and spare components. If Jim had passed away earlier or if the plane had been more carefully managed, it could have been preserved and potentially flown on for another 100 years.

Conclusion

While FAA inspectors are committed to maintaining the highest standards of airworthiness, personal circumstances can sometimes lead to the grounding of an aircraft. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the care required to preserve vintage and valuable aircraft. The Swift of Jim, a beloved and respected inspector, highlights the importance of proper maintenance and stewardship, especially for aircraft with significant historical value.

For those interested in aviation history and preservation, stories like Jim’s Swift open the door to a world of passion and dedication. Whether it’s an inspector’s plane or a private aircraft, the spirit of aviation lives on through these modest planes and the tales they tell.