RFKB positioned a cross-hired Baron around at the company base. Unfortunately, a wing bolt AD was going to expire tommorow and would affect the next two days of flying planned for the machine.
After much ado, CASA issue an extension for the aforementioned and off I go.
Subsequent ramp check on RTB goes like:
FOI: You haven't signed your MR.
RFKB: Sorry, I seem to have dated it wrongly.
FOI: Hmmmmmm, I see the aircraft has had it's ELT removed. So, you don't have one?
RFKB: I've got a portable behind the seat.
FOI: Show it to me! (Using his best/worst bad cop voice)
RFKB: Here you go.
FOI: Your ELT battery has expired. (MAR 2003)
RFKB: Ummmmm, wouldn't that be the end of March like with AD's etc etc.
FOI: Hmmmmmm, good question. I'll look into that. (Bad cop voice now getting worse)
FOI: Where is your W & B?
RFKB: I don't have one. I'm not required to as per the company CASA approved ops. manual. I only have to be satisfied that the aircraft is within limits.
FOI: Hmmmmmm, I'll look into that too!!! (Bad cop voice now faltering)
At this point, our diplomatic friend fears he is getting snowed under with all this potential research and gives up.
Obviously that fine print says that, having an ELT battery not a day past expiry, and a W & B for two blokes in a B58 Baron; is more important than having your wings firmly attached to the aircraft. Otherwise I would have had to pull out that exemption!!!
Disclaimer: Common sense is not always that common.