The FAA is proposing a $240,500 civil penalty against Helicopter Transport Services, LLC of Corvallis, Ore., for allegedly operating a Sikorsky S61R10 helicopter when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.  In particular, the FAA alleges that on Oct. 8, 2012, Helicopter Transport Services installed a main gearbox in the aircraft that was not authorized for installation. The company also operated the helicopter 37 times between Oct. 8 and Oct. 29, 2012, when it was not in an airworthy condition as a result of the unauthorized gearbox installation, the agency alleges.

Helicopter Transport Services has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.