On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 6:37:28 PM UTC-6, wrote:
Thanks Burt for your input.
So a "courtesy" inspection finds no compass and you get written up.
What would a "ticket" involve?
Is it feasible to get a waiver from the FAA on the no compass issue?

First, it ain't no "courtesy" inspection. This is a surprise FAA "surveillance" of your documents and your aircraft. It is part of the FAA Inspector's duties and I hear that they are never "off duty."

If all looks good to the FAA Inspector except for a minor item, then hopefully they might make a suggestion for you to fix the item.

Next, I've never received a "ticket". I simply educate myself as to what's required by the FAA rules and keep my towplanes, sailplanes and my airman paperwork in order. While this r.a.s newsgroup can be informative (with some well-meaning advice and occasional loophole probing), it's the FAA rules and your FSDO's policies that are the bottom line. And ask your A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA.) They sign your aircraft logbook at the annual and want to keep their IA designation.

You want a "waiver"? Go ask your FSDO Airworthiness Inspector, if you dare to open that Pandora's box!
Then again, usually they are helpful. Usually . . . (and let us know if you are granted a waiver for no compass.)

"Compliance" is typically all the FAA will ask for . . . and maybe ground your aircraft in an extreme situation, like if they see dozens of little tiny cracks in your gelcoat (!) I suppose that a ramp check is like a box of chocolates . . . you never know what you are going to get.