Okay, It’s Just a 3% Bump, but Fines are Fines

The 2024 Federal Register has been published with updated penalty schedules for various infractions, kicking up the price of some crimes for those who run afoul of regulations with the Department of Transportation.

The new rates generally take the 2023 penalties and multiply them by 1.03241, in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments Act passed in 2015. That provides for a mechanism for the continual increase of penalties on an annual basis in order to keep their teeth sharp as a method of punishment, lest inflation render them meaningless. This year, rates are rising by about 3.241%, as pegged to the Consumer Price Index. Overall, it’s not a tremendous difference, since violations are generally around tens of thousands of dollars, but those who have to pay penalties have to pay lawyers, too.

Last year, the penalty for lasing an aircraft sat at $30,820, and is now $31,819. “Physical or sexual assault or threat to physically or sexually assault crewmember or other individual on an aircraft, or action that poses an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or individuals on board” now carries a $43,685 penalty, up from $42,287 last year.

“Civil penalties are adjusted annually so these increases are expected, but it is important for those in the aviation industry to be aware of potential fines for violations in 2024,” said Doug Carr, NBAA senior vice president of safety, security, sustainability and international affairs. “The recently published fines serve as a guide to the FAA in its enforcement of regulatory violations.”

FMI: www.govinfo.gov