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SEATTLE � The U.S. Department of Transportation�s Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $197,500 civil penalty against R&R
Conner Aviation (RCA) of Conner, Mont., for allegedly operating a Bell UH-1B helicopter
when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA alleges that beginning on Sept. 16, 2013, RCA
operated the aircraft on at least four flights around Detroit, Ore., when it
did not comply with four airworthiness directives and with parts that were past
their replacement dates. The airworthiness directives required regular inspections of
the tail boom skin and fin spar cap area; a one-time inspection of the main
rotor hub components; tracking and replacing rotating components; and tracking
of the aircraft�s time in service and replacement date of the main rotor mast. The FAA further alleges that RCA operated the aircraft with
three components � tail rotor yoke, main rotor stabilizer center frame, and
rotating control bolts � that were past their replacement dates. Because of these violations,
the aircraft was not airworthy, the FAA alleges. The agency alleges that RCA
operated the aircraft in a
careless or reckless manner that endangered lives and property. Additionally, the FAA alleges RCA did not keep proper
records reflecting the status of the four airworthiness directives and of the
life-limited parts.
RCA has 30 days from
the receipt of the FAA�s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
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