There are approximately 1,400 A&P mechanics that are going to know what it feels like to be a Firestone tire or the latest Toyota floor mat recall. Not unlike the tire or floor mat they are being recalled by the Federal Aviation Administration to be re-inspected (tested) in the interest of safety for the end user.
These 1,400 mechanics were tested by ex designated mechanic examiner Bryan Tobias from San Antonio, TX. The FAA’s investigation started as the result of numerous mechanics calling the FSDO and complaining about not receiving their permanent mechanic certificates after testing with Mr. Tobias.
The FAA launched an investigation that turned up the worst case of fraud and misuse of designated authority that we have ever seen from a designee. After hundreds of interviews it was determined that the A and/or P applicants tested by Mr. Tobias received little or no actual test before being issued a temporary airman certificate. Additionally, we discovered that in many cases, Mr. Tobias did not submit the testing file to the FAA for processing, which explains why so many airmen did not receive their permanent certificate.
For the rest of the story go to www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2009/Oct/Nuts_and_Bolts,_Issue_09-03.pdf
