FAA Aviation Safety Inspector Laennec Ratard joins Flight Tales to unpack a decades-long journey—from childhood island hops in BN-2 Islanders to night freight in C210s and Barons, Caravan UPS feeder routes, F-27 operations in South America, corporate flying, and ultimately the FAA. He breaks down what really happens during ramp checks, enroute cockpit inspections, DPE oversight, and exactly what flight schools need to pass Part 141 faster.

In this episode:

• Island beginnings (BN-2 Islander)

• Marines to civilian training at New Orleans Lakefront

• Night freight: canceled checks, no-autopilot IFR, Saint Elmo’s fire

• The storm that changed his risk calculus (and left a shoulder-harness bruise)

• Caravans, overload runs, and standby life

• Choosing cargo over a low-paid regional FO path

• Inside the FAA: POI duties, ramp & enroute inspections, corrective actions

• ACS vs PTS—what’s actually measured on checkrides

• DPE surveillance—how examiners are observed and evaluated

• Part 141 playbook—manuals, facilities, aircraft, chief instructor demo, common pitfalls