But FAA Finds Allegations Untrue

It's just not true. That's the word from a pair of FAA inspectors who traveled from Kansas City (MO) to the College of the Ozarks in Springfield (MO) last week. They were drawn to the school's aviation program and its eight aircraft after an anonymous allegation that maintenance records had been faked. The tip was given to school administrators late last month. At the school's request, the FAA sent its inspectors, who found there was no truth to the reports.

And yet, the eight aircraft are still grounded as C of O continues its own investigation. Dean of Administration Larry Cockrum told the Springfield News-Leader, "We're very sensitive with safety issues."

The complaint said maintenance workers had jimmied the logbooks to indicate a Cessna 172 had not been flown beyond a mandatory inspection. Although the investigation continues, Cockrum says there is little evidence that suggests the mechanic tampered with records. He said it appeared the complaint was filed because "somebody got mad."

"We had other mechanics that were in that position that are no longer in that position. We did some cutbacks," he said. "It's some sort of personal vendetta."

The school is understandably sensitive about the issue. Four years ago, the College of the Ozark's Citation went down short of the runway in bad weather. Among the six people killed was then-aviation director Joe Birnell.

His widow sued the school after the accident, saying he was under unreasonable pressure from the school, which had demanded his logbooks and questioned his competency. The suit was dismissed two months ago.

FMI: www.cofo.edu