Florida-Based On-Demand Operator Grounded As Of June 27

The FAA has revoked the operating certificate of Bimini Island Air (BIA) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, an on-demand operator.  The FAA issued the emergency order of revocation on June 27 and it took effect immediately. The FAA alleged BIA advertised and operated 15 scheduled flights between Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas in March and April, 2011, using a 30-seat Saab 340-A twin-turboprop aircraft.  BIA is not authorized to use a 30-seat aircraft for scheduled flights.

The FAA also alleged BIA offered and advertised scheduled flights on the 30-seat plane, including the departure location and time and arrival location.  The FAA said BIA operated as a scheduled airline rather than as an on-demand service when it provided those flights. Scheduled airlines are governed by rules different than those for charter operators or on-demand services.

Bimini Island Air petitioned for review of the emergency nature of the order of revocation, June 30, which also serves as an appeal of the merits of the order.  Both the petition and the appeal will be heard by the National Transportation Safety Board.  BIA surrendered its operating certificate to the FAA July 1.

FMI: www.faa.gov