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He declared an emergency when he accidently got into instrument conditions that it sounds like he was trying to avoid...where's the possible certificate action in that?
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Reckless and Endangerment, for one. The FAA seems to love that one. Not being familiar with all pertinent information regarding the flight. There is no reason why anyone, however versed in weather, should find themselves in an overcast sky unprepared. Just one look at a satellite picture, in motion, should give you a clue. Various reporting stations should also give you an indication as to how low the bases are.
My point was that if the FAA wanted to go after this kid for anything, they have him admitting what he did ON TAPE! Unless they ask you for a written report -- SAY NOTHING!
The FAA tries sneaky tactics for revoking licenses. For one thing, they never need to identify themselves as FAA personnel unless asked. Unless asked are the keywords there. They also don't need much more than rumor to start an investigation into any action you may or may have done. Most of the time you won't know they're investigating you until 6 months, 1 year, or longer when they send you a written request to turn in your license.
The very first thing you should do after any type of anomoly is to talk a laywer before talking to the FAA.
This kid dug his own grave when he gave a full confession to the FSS, should the FAA decide to start an investigation.
Please don't take my statements to mean that you shouldn't declare an emergency when one exists. Declare an emergency when it is necessary. Do what is appropriate, in your opinion, at the time for the safe conclusion to the flight. Worry about the FAA on the ground, immediately following parking the plane.
Never, ever, ever, talk the FAA immediately after an anomoly. They can and will use your words against you. Whenever you violate one FAR, you always violate the reckless & endangerment one. So you violate two FARs.