Allegedly Operated Three Aircraft Overdue For Required Inspections

The FAA proposes a $72,400 civil penalty against Gem Air of Salmon, Idaho, for allegedly operating three aircraft when required inspections were overdue.

The inspections in question are mandated by FAA airworthiness directives. The agency alleges the charter company:

-Operated a Cessna T206H for 8.7 hours in August 2016 when a periodic inspection of a fuel-injector line was overdue.
-Operated a Quest Kodiak 100 for 24.2 hours in January and February 2017 when a periodic inspection of an elevator control mechanism was overdue.
-Operated a Piper PA-31-350 for 246.1 hours between December 2015 and March 2017 when a periodic inspection of certain engine cowling components was overdue for one engine; and operated the aircraft for 198.8 hours between January 2016 and March 2017 when the inspection was overdue for the other engine.
-Operated the Piper PA-31-350 for 246.1 hours between December 2015 and March 2017 when periodic inspections of the engine exhaust systems were overdue.

The FAA also alleges Gem Air failed to keep a record of the current status of applicable airworthiness directives for the Piper PA-31-350.

Gem Air has asked to meet with the FAA to discuss the case.

(Source: FAA news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov