Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 2005; Flight Crew Type 1815
Situational Awareness; Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Aircraft; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part
A Cessna 172 was parked at the and we were to relocate it for storage and use by a relative. My friend requested I fly his aircraft with him as a passenger so we could visit his relative. I knew the FSDO had determined that my friend had been found in violation of some; unspecified to me; FAR's and revoked both his pilot and A and P license for a one year duration. My friend met me at the terminal and we walked to where the aircraft was tied down. My friend debriefed me as to some of the complications. The aircraft had been tagged by FSDO; as unairworthy. I never saw this notice. As was described to me; the notice indicated some brackets attached to the exterior bottom side of the fuselage must be removed. I was told a mechanic removed said brackets and did a log book entry of the removal. We spoke of his preflight and stated it was ready for flight. I did a pre-flight confirming the aircraft was ready for flight and the non conforming brackets had been removed. I was in the left seat and started the engine and received the ATIS; contacted Clearance Delivery. I then contacted Ground for taxi instructions and was told to standby; the aircraft remained stationary. An employee appeared to our right and gave hand signals to shut down. Which I did. Shortly; a vehicle arrived and a man approached the aircraft and engaged my friend in conversation. This was the FSDO offical. He requested my pilot license and medical; he took images of them with his cell phone. He and my friend discussed his concerns; which I then overheard. The fasteners that had attached the brackets were in violation and until the bolts were removed and rivets were reinstalled or the necessary paperwork was submitted and accepted by himself; the aircraft was grounded and unairworthy. FSDO stated they would not approve any application unless all of his concerns were addressed by Cessna or other recognized authority.  The aircraft was chained down; and we left the ramp.  I did not fly or taxi the aircraft. It never left the tiedown.
C172 pilot reported they were going to ferry an aircraft for a friend but while on the ramp a FSDO official approached them and told them the aircraft was not allowed to fly due to improper maintenance.