FAA Proposes Penalty Against Air Methods

The FAA on Thursday proposed a $91,500 fine against helicopter EMS operator Air Methods for operating a Bell 407 that was not in compliance with applicable regulations. The agency alleges Air Methods operated the aircraft on four flights in October last year when a required torque check inspection on its tail-rotor driveshaft components was overdue. As a result, the aircraft was not considered airworthy during those flights, saidthe FAA.

It further alleges that after Air Methods performed the inspection, the company failed to update the aircraft logbooks to show the inspection had been completed. The logbook also failed to indicate when the next inspection was due. Air Methods is reportedly talking with the FAA about the matter.