B737-700
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 187
Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
Upon arrival at the gate; the Agent told me the FAA was here and would be doing a line check to our destination. The Agent said the FAA was at the aircraft. As I walked onto the airplane; I found a gentleman in civilian clothes in the cockpit arranging personal effects; sweater; briefcase; etc. I assumed that the man was with the FAA; but after saying hello; I asked for his identification. He provided it and in turn asked for mine. The Inspector provided me with the flight deck access document from the Company Gate Agent. I did not ask the Inspector why he was on the aircraft without crew permission because I did not know if he had the authority. Also; I did not want to create a more adversarial atmosphere since we would be together for the next three hours. After a thorough cockpit safety inspection and preflight; I did talk to the Inspector about my concern for his identification because of Company heightened awareness about cockpit access and I was just doing my job. Normal pre-departure; departure; and cruise followed. During cruise the First Officer needed to use the washroom. I briefed the Inspector on Company procedure for flight deck access and entry during flight and his specific duties. I coordinated with the flight attendants and unstowed my oxygen mask. When the flight attendants gave us the all clear; I donned my mask and headsets and gave a thumbs-up to the First Officer that I had the aircraft and to the Inspector that he was clear to open the door. The Inspector exited followed by the First Officer. The Inspector returned and shut the door. Then; to my surprise; the Inspector made his way into the First Officer's pilot seat; using the thrust levers and yoke to assist. The thrust changed; but the autothrottles corrected. The autopilot disengaged from LNAV to CWS ROLL. I re-engaged LNAV. I was unable to communicate rapidly enough with the mask on to stop the Inspector. I did not physically try to prevent the Inspector from sitting in the pilot seat because I felt any confusion or unanticipated movement would be even less safe. When the First Officer called on the interphone; the Inspector rose; made his way to the cockpit door; used the peep hole; asked me if it was okay to let the First Officer in. I said yes and he let the First Officer in. The rest of the flight was completed normally. I don't believe the Inspector had any bad intent in the situations above; but his presence combined with his unanticipated actions created quite a distraction. Perhaps Inspectors could receive better training on aircraft access and cockpit etiquette and procedures.
B737 Captain reports receiving a line check from an FAA Inspector that needs a refresher course in cockpit etiquette.