Here’s my point: If you’re comfortable convincing the FAA Inspector that just ramp checked you and didn’t find charts, that he’s wrong and you’re perfectly legal without them. Well, have at it! Me, I try to avoid getting into arguments with the FAA

Not at all familiar with the context of 8700.1 Ch 56.11.C, but I believe an aircraft and pilot FCC license are required outside of the US.

The very first thing in Chapter 56 is a statement of “Objective” which says the purpose of a Part 91 ramp check is “to determine that an airman or operator is in continuing compliance with the FAR during an actual operational situation.”

The section on current charts is most likely in reference to 14 CFR 91.103.

For example, if an inspector observes an aircraft flying right traffic to a runway which has been designated as “left traffic”, he/she may want to know if the pilot simply made an honest mistake or whether the flight planning was deficient. Determining whether the pilot had current information could make the difference between a violation and a simple reminder to double check the traffic direction.

Another example: a pilot is observed flying an instrument approach incorrectly. Was the IAP simply misread, or was he/she using out of date plates?

I’d still maintain that as long as you have the appropriate information and fly according to that data, the FAA doesn’t care whether you have any charts on board at all. At an aerobatic contest or airshow, you’ll find FAA representatives (often more than one) present. Few if any of the pilots carry charts when they’re in the box. It’s not that anyone is trying to flout convention. They’re just not necessary for that kind of flying.

For what it’s worth, 8700.1 Ch 56.11.C also says “An aircraft FCC radio license is required” but we know that’s not true, right?

Thanks for your comment. It was thought provoking.

FAA Order 8700.1, Chapter 56 (“CONDUCT A FAR PART 91 RAMP INSPECTION”), 5 (“Procedures”), F (“Inspect Aircraft”), 11:

“Determine if pertinent and current aeronautical charts are available.”