—If FAA Gets Its Way
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is proposing to fine Air Methods Corp. $892,500 for allegedly operating a helicopter that was not airworthy.
The FAA alleges that during a Nov. 4, 2014 inspection in Tampa, Fla., an FAA inspector discovered that the helicopter’s pitot tubes were severely corroded. Pitot tubes are components in a system that measures an aircraft’s airspeed.
The FAA immediately notified Air Methods about the corrosion. However, Air Methods continued to operate the helicopter on 51 passenger-carrying revenue flights between Nov. 4 and Nov. 11, 2014 without repairing or replacing the pitot tubes, the FAA alleges.
The FAA alleges that because of the corroded pitot tubes, Air Methods operated the helicopter when it was unairworthy; in violation of its operations specifications; after it failed to correct a known defect in the aircraft; and in a careless or reckless manner that endangered lives and property.
“Operators are expected to respond appropriately when FAA inspectors alert them to airworthiness concerns,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
“It is imperative that all operators address those concerns before operating their aircraft.”
You can read the full FAA press release here.
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2 replies to "Air Methods Fined 892.5K For Unsafe Helicopter"
Please immediately change your stock photo as medevac was not the specific company that flew these unsafe flights. Thank you.
Hello,
I don’t normally entertain inquiries from anonymous email addresses. However, the answer to your question may be of interest to some of our long-time readers.
For the record, your anonymous inquiry casts more doubt than certainty on your credibility and comments.
Having said that, here are the facts:
As our article states, the FAA proposed a fine of Air Methods Corporation for alleged violations of its operations specifications. Our article, as well as the source (FAA Press release) does not specify which Air Methods’ helicopter is allegedly in violation. Geography is referenced in the FAA press release, but no specific aircraft is identified. You can read the full press release via a link inside our article.
Air Methods is the air carrier responsible for the operations of the helicopter in our photo. The helicopter in our photo literally cannot fly without Air Method’s permission. The branding on the helicopter is unique to the hospital where the helicopter is based. Any of Air Methods’ hundreds of helicopters could be used for this article, or any other photo we choose to use. The point is that it’s about the alleged violations, not the picture of the helicopter.
I hope this helps you understand.
Clear Skies & Tailwinds.