Reexamination

[gtpilot]

A friend of mine was involved in a flight where one engine in a twin was starved of fuel (see MEI Mishap in CFI Corner). The local FSDO has offered him an 'opportunity' for reexamination consistion of 'appropriate Commercial Pilot and Airplane Practical Test Tasks' with emphasis on preflight planning.

Anyone know what this means/entails? Is this the FAA offering a way out or looking for another way to shaft him?

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

This is the so-called "Section 709 Ride."It's a retest of competence, often focusing on the the specific skills and knowledge that led to the incident, accident, or violation. Sort of a mini-checkride. It doesn't mean that the FAA can't take certificate action, but it usually ends up that way.

How easy or tough it is depends on a combination of the incident, the pilot's attitude, and the inspector's personality.

You can read about it in Chapter 26 of the General Aviation Operations Inspectors Handbook, FAA Order 8700.1. It's available at http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/examiners_inspectors/8700/

Is your friend on the AOPA Legal Services Plan? If so (and even if not) he should speak with an aviation attorney since it could lead to certificate action, and also speak with some folks who know the local FSDO pretty well.