FAA Proposes Penalty Against Air Methods

The FAA said it plans to fine Englewood, Colo.-based Air Methods $1.54 million for allegedly operating Eurocopter EC-130s on 83 flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA alleges Air Methods operated two helicopters on 70 passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire, over water and beyond power-off gliding distance from shore, when they lacked required helicopter flotation devices and flotation gear for each occupant. The agency alleges the company operated another helicopter on 13 such flights when it also lacked required flotation gear for each occupant. All 83 flights by the emergency medical transport company occurred around Pensacola, Fla.

Air Methods has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.