EC135
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Chart Or Publication; Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure; Aircraft
Upon landing; pilot was met by FAA Inspector for a ramp check. Inspector noticed that left rear skid shoe was missing two bolts. Missing bolts were not noticed on pilot's preflight inspection. Bolts could have departed aircraft during flight. Skid shoes inspected and found to be worn through to the skid tube which was found to be worn out of limits. Aircraft grounded immediately. Preflight checklist calls for landing gear and step condition inspection. Bolts very difficult to see and skid shoes cannot be inspected fully unless the aircraft is jacked up. Aircraft used for training a lot and skid shoes get more than normal abuse. Perhaps an inspection after a lot of training would help. Changing checklist to include the above items would also help.
FAA Inspector points out worn skid shoes and missing shoe attach bolts to EC135 pilot.