Investigations
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January 25, 2018
Former South Florida FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative Charged With Aircraft Parts Fraud
On January 25, 2018, Edward Carl Fernandez was charged via information in U.S. District Court, Miami, Florida, with fraud involving aircraft parts.
The information alleges that on or about February 19, 2013, Fernandez—knowingly and with intent to defraud—falsified and concealed a material fact concerning a hydraulic adapter fitting. Fernandez signed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag, certifying the aircraft part had been properly manufactured and was approved for installation on a commercial aircraft. However, he neither conducted an inspection on nor had access to the aircraft part.
The investigation also revealed that Fernandez, acting in his capacity as an FAA-designated airworthiness representative, certified as airworthy numerous commercial aircraft parts via email without ever having direct access to or inspecting those parts.
DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with FAA’s assistance.
Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.