US FAA proposes to revoke Rhoades Aviation’s air carrier certificate

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed to revoke the air carrier certificate of Honolulu, Hawaii- based Rhoades Aviation Inc. for “numerous alleged safety violations”.

Rhoades Aviation operated the Boeing 737-200 freighter aircraft of cargo airline Transair that last year crashed into the sea off Hawaii after reportedly having experienced engine trouble.

Rhoades Aviation was grounded on July 16 2021 after the incident, which followed the start of an FAA investigation into maintenance and safety the year before, and the FAA is now proposing to revoke the carrier’s certificate.

According to Air Cargo News sister title, FlightGlobal, the carrier plans to challenge the decision.

In a statement announcing its proposal to revoke Rhoades’ certificate, the FAA alleged that Rhoades: 

• Failed to maintain Safety Management System records; address issues the FAA found with its general operations manual; conduct proper safety risk management when addressing discrepancies in its aircraft loading, weight and balance, and runway analysis manuals; provide revised manuals to the FAA; provide safety-risk-management documentation when it submitted its administration manual.

• Operated two Boeing 737s more than 900 times after failing to add the aircraft to its maintenance and inspection program.

• Operated a Boeing 737 airplane on 33 flights when it was not airworthy due to engine compressor fan blades that did not meet manufacturer standards.

• Committed numerous violations related to its FAA-required Safety Management System program, including failing to ensure that the program was properly implemented and performing in all areas of its organization.

• Conducted improper maintenance work on engine compressor fan blades and failed to properly document the work.

Rhoades Aviation has 15 days from May 24 to respond to the FAA after receiving the agency’s enforcement notice.

According to Transair’s website, the combined Transair all-cargo fleet of Bombardier SD3-60-300 aircraft fly daily to all major Hawaiian island destinations of Kauai, Maui, Kona and Hilo with extended service to Lanai and Molokai. In addition, cargo charters are available to all points within the state of Hawaii. Transair added its first B737-400 freighter in February 2021.

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Investigation into B737-200 freighter crash underway

Transair B737F crashes near Hawaii coast after reported engine trouble