FAA Proposes $1.54 Million Penalty Against Air Methods Corp.
The penalty is for allegedly operating dozens of helicopter flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.
The Federal Aviation Administration has alleged that Air Methods Corp. of Englewood, Colo., 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. FAA has proposed a $1.54 million civil penalty for operating flights that were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.
Air Methods is a large air medical transport company with more than 300 bases of operation serving 48 states, according to information available on the company's website.
"The flying public correctly expects that American operators will place safety above all else," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. "We will hold operators accountable when they fail to meet those expectations."
"Operators must follow every regulation and take every precaution to ensure the safety of all those on board," added FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. "Flying without required safety equipment is indefensible."