If you really want to know, you can go to faa.gov where they have a search
engine that will turn up all the AD's. You'll need to know the aircraft
model and serial number. It's worth learning the system, once you know how
to do it, you can research an aircraft and engine in less than an hour and
make a list of what applies. Then check that list against the FBO's.
Sometimes there are AD's nested within components, for example, a part in a
magneto, so it takes some digging. Just learning this system is an
education and you'll feel more confident about the aircraft you fly.

Asking to see the logs also promotes better GA. If renters insist on seeing
and reviewing them, FBO's will keep them in better order and probably
maintain the planes better. You do all renters a favor.

I've you've looked at the paperwork, made a few notes, and can tell them
something like, "The AD compliance log was in a red binder or at the back of
logbook such and such and the paperwork looked good.", I doubt you'll ever
have a problem. If the FBO is an obvious junk shop, they won't show you the
logs, the plane has unplacarded things, holes in the panel, etc., you'll
probably have a problem if questioned.

If you can show the FAA that you even held the logs in your hands, they will
probably figure you are so far ahead of the average renter that they will be
impressed and leave you alone

--

Roger Long



"Richard Russell" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 09 Aug 2004 11:26:48 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

The regulatory theory is that you should do that. The real world, of
course, is different.

Here are some scenario's:

1) You are ramp checked. The FAA inspector sees that you are renting and
asks if AD-xxxx was complied with. You look blank or say the FBO is
responsible for all that. He might bust you if he's in a really bad
mood.
If you say you looked through the logbooks before the flight and all AD's
were complied with, there is a 99.9% chance that will be the end of the
story.
snipped...

I understand what you're saying and I believe that you have pretty
much nailed it. I am a renter and my problem is this: even if I
review the logbooks and there are some reasonable looking AD entries,
how can a renter possibly know what ADs have even been issued for a
specific airplane? The AD related problem that may have brought a
plane down might not have been addressed at all in the logbook. To
truly comply, I can imagine spending 10 hours of research and logbook
inspection for any plane that I rent.
Rich Russell