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SEATTLE � The U.S. Department of Transportation�s Federal
Aviation Administration proposes a $360,000 civil penalty against Empire
Airlines, Inc. of Hayden, Idaho, for allegedly operating an aircraft that was
not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA alleges that one of the airline�s Cessna Caravans
experienced a lightning strike. The aircraft maintenance manual requires the
propeller be removed from service following such an event and inspected for
damage at an authorized aircraft repair station. The FAA alleges that two days after the lightning strike,
Empire inspected the aircraft as a result of the event but failed to send the
propeller to an authorized repair station. The agency alleges the carrier
returned the aircraft to service without performing a complete lightning strike
inspection. Empire operated the aircraft on 35 revenue flights before
removing its propeller from service and sending it to an authorized repair
station for the required inspection, the FAA alleges. The aircraft was not in
an airworthy condition during those flights, the FAA alleges. Empire is scheduled to meet with the FAA in late September
to discuss the case. ###
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