The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday announced the proposal of a $580,000 civil penalty against Hillsboro Aviation, Inc. on three different violations.
Hillsboro Aviation, Inc., which is based in Hillsboro, Oregon, allegedly performed improper repairs, deliberately falsifying maintenance records and operated a helicopter in a reckless manner.
Hillsboro mechanics allegedly used incorrect parts and an unqualified individual to make repairs to a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter. The FAA also alleges the company made no record in the aircraft maintenance logs of work performed, and deliberately falsified maintenance documents claiming an airworthiness directive had been completed when the work had not been done.
Between June 29 and September 9, 2008, the aviation company operated the helicopter on at least 103 flights when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations between. At least four of these operations were conducted under Part 135 (Commuter and On-Demand Operations) of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
The FAA also alleges that Hillsboro mechanics failed to perform the required inspections after specified flight intervals on another Jet Ranger helicopter when the aircraft returned to service after maintenance.
Hillsboro operated the aircraft on at least 430 flights, including at least 349 revenue flights under Part 135 between January 13 and September 7, 2008.
The third violation involved the operation of another Jet Ranger on a passenger-carrying flight, July 8, 2008. The pilot flew under the Interstate 5 and 205 highway bridges over the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon.
The FAA alleged the flight endangered the lives and property of others, because it was conducted within 500 feet of a structure, and at a low altitude where a safe emergency landing might not have been possible.
The accused company has 30 days to respond to the agency after the receipt of the civil penalty letter.
