Pilot fined $5000 for flying damaged helicopter

A Broome pilot found guilty of flying passengers in a damaged helicopter has been fined $5000.

Broome Helicopter Services Joseph Peppe Calandra was charged by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority after he damaged rotor blades while landing at a remote fishing spot on the Fitzroy River in 2008.

Despite damage to the helicopter, Calandra flew the machine back to Broome.

He was found guilty last month and was sentenced in Perth Magistrates Court on February 4.

He was charged under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 for flying with maintenance due and without being satisfied the aircraft was safe for flight in all respects.