Helikopter - FAA tøffer seg

Air Methods hit with stiff FAA fine

The company is accused of operating helicopters in violation of federal regs

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $1.54 million civil penalty against Air Methods Corp. of Englewood, Colo., for allegedly operating Eurocopter EC-130 helicopters on dozens of flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

According to the agency, 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 company operated another helicopter on 13 such flights when it lacked required flotation gear for each occupant, the FAA contends. All 83 flights by the emergency medical transport company occurred around Pensacola, Fla.

"Operators must follow every regulation and take every precaution to ensure the safety of all those on board," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. "Flying without required safety equipment is indefensible."

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