Tools

CenturyLink Chopper Grounded in Nationwide FAA Order

by Matt Kroschel

Story Created: Feb 13, 2012 at 4:59 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2012 at 5:56 PM MDT

Mesa County - A Grand Junction communication company's helicopter has been grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Centurylink, a telephone, internet, and TV provider, services more than a 190 towers with its helicopter. Officials told NewsChannel 5 their Grand Junction-based Bell helicopter is one of 700 choppers across the country that have been grounded due to a faulty rotor blade. Officials said at least two helicopter crashes in recent months are blamed on cracks forming in the series of blades.

The chopper may be out of commission for several months because there is a long waiting list for replacement blades.

CenturyLink uses the chopper to reach remote radio towers across the state. They also have a partnership with the Mesa County Search and Rescue to help out with missions here.

Right now, the company is using a Denver based chopper to fill-in for missions on the Western Slope.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather