"Tim Bengtson" wrote in message
...
Dennis O'Connor wrote:

I will not show/surrender my papers to some bozo on the ramp... For all
I
know he could be an escaped mental patient who stole someone's ID... He
could be a terrorist with forged documents desperate to get his hands on
an
airplane..Even the courts do their business through the mail. If it is
good
enough for all levels of the courts, up to the U.S. Supreme Court, then
it
is good enough for the FAA... They are just bureaucrats - no more, no
less... Send me an official letter and I will respond - otherwise, keep
your distance...

Have you ever tested your resolve during a ramp check? If so, what
happened? Though I agree with the sentiment of your post, I generally
adhere to the philosophy that it's unwise to play games with someone who
is in a position to screw you up just because he feels like it. This is
especially true if the person seems to have the intelligence of a garden
tool.

Also, if you don't trust the person's ID and documents, what makes you
think he couldn't also forge a letter using an Oklahoma City PO box as
the return address?

Tim

Somewhere on the EAA WEB site is a "what to do during a ramp check" article.
One of the items is to never ever let the FAA touch your certificate. The
other thing you can do is say it is time for you to depart. The FAA cannot
delay your departure. I carry a copy of the article in the plane and it is
the first thing I would grab if someone presented credentials.