Investigations

On August 17, 2011, Guillermo Galvan, president and owner of Aviation Engine Services (AES), an FAA Approved Repair Station, and Jorge Gomez, AES' Chief Inspector were sentenced in U.S. District Court Miami, Florida, for making false representations to a customer of AES concerning the calibration of an Almen Gauge, a tool used to measure the intensity of  the "shotpeening" process as required by the turbine engine manufacturer's Standard Practices Manual, which is adhered to in repairing and certifying the turbine engine airworthy so it can be returned to service.  Ultimately, the aircraft parts were installed in a commercial aircraft's turbine engine.

The investigation revealed that AES performed maintenance, returned aircraft parts to service, and issued FAA 8130 Airworthiness Certificates, using tools and equipment that had not been timely calibrated. 

Galvan was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to pay a $50,000 fine, and perform 150 hours of community service per year of probation, and a special assessment fee of $100.

Gomez was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to pay a $7,500 fine, and perform 165 hours of community service per year of probation, and a special assessment fee of $100.

Additionally, the Judge ordered a "Related Concern Restriction" that Galvan and Gomez not perform any duties consistent with an "aircraft inspector" unless supervised by a licensed aircraft inspector or unless specifically authorized by the Court while serving their probation sentence.

This investigation was conducted with assistance from the FAA South Florida Flight Standards District Office.