FAA Proposes $1.2 Million Fine for St. George Airline
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – July 10, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $1.2 million civil penalty against SkyWest Airlines of St. George, Utah, for allegedly operating aircraft that were not in compliance with federal aviation regulations.
One fine is for $911,000 for two aircraft. The FAA alleges SkyWest failed to inspect the cargo door skins on two Bombardier CL-600 jets at required intervals. The inspections were required by an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued in 2006 after cracks were discovered in the aluminum cargo door skin of a CL-600 during fatigue testing. The FAA determined that regular inspections of that type of aircraft for similar cracking could help prevent a situation in which a cracked skin could lead to an accident or unsafe condition.
SkyWest allegedly operated the aircraft on a total of 15,969 flights when the inspections were overdue.
“Safety is our top priority,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We expect operators to comply fully with all FAA regulations and directives.”
The FAA also proposes a further $320,000 civil penalty against SkyWest Airlines. The FAA alleges SkyWest failed to inspect certain main landing gear components on four Bombardier CL-600 jets at required intervals for wear that could lead to an unsafe condition or failure of a component. SkyWest allegedly operated the aircraft on more than 6,700 flights when the inspections were overdue.
SkyWest has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letters to respond to the agency.
SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for two scheduled passenger airline operations and an aircraft leasing company and is headquartered in St. George. SkyWest’s airline companies provide commercial air service in cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with more than 3,500 flights and a fleet of 673 aircraft. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
