Says Payment Would Have Violated FAA Rules

An electric utility in Ohio has turned down an offer of $3,800 from the state for flying US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, saying the payment would violate FAA regulations.

Rehnquist flew to Columbus May 15th to speak at the dedication of the new Ohio Supreme Court building. Officials said security issues and the Chief Justice's fragile health made a commercial flight from Washington (DC) impractical. That's when American Electric Power stepped in.

The utility flew Rehnquist to Columbus on its corporate aircraft, a move that cost $3,800. The Ohio Supreme Court had planned to pay for the flight. But American Electric, which is being sued by environmental organizations and the EPA, which accuse it of violating the Clean Air Act.

American Electric's lawyers recommended turning down the payment because the FAA prohibits flights-for-pay by private aircraft not certificated for commercial flight. Instead, the utility diverted the payment to the American Red Cross as a donation.

FMI: www.aep.com