The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $90,000 civil penalty against Red Eagle Aviation of Kalispell, Mont., for allegedly operating a Bell 206 helicopter when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

The FAA alleges Red Eagle operated the helicopter on numerous flights, including at least 80 revenue flights, between May 2011 and May 2013, when the company had not performed required, periodic overhauls of its tail rotor hub and main rotor mast assemblies. The company’s alleged failure to perform these overhauls within the time period specified by the manufacturer meant the helicopter was not in an airworthy condition.

Red Eagle Aviation has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

Editor note – the accompanying image is from Red Eagle Aviation’s website