Operated Flights With Unqualified Crews, Agency Says

The FAA has issued an Emergency Order of Revocation against TapJets, Inc. of Spring, Texas and Fargo, North Dakota, for allegedly conducting passenger-carrying flights using unqualified pilots and operating unauthorized aircraft.

The FAA alleges that between Sept. 28, 2016 and Jan. 22, 2017, TapJets operated 10 passenger-carrying flights with pilots who were unqualified. On one of those flights, the airman who served as second-in-command only had a student pilot certificate, when a commercial pilot certificate was required, the FAA alleges. Additionally, the FAA alleges both TapJets’ President and its Director of Operations piloted several of these flights when either the crew was unqualified or the aircraft being used was unauthorized.  

The FAA further alleges the company conducted 14 passenger-carrying flights with aircraft that it was not authorized to use because they were not listed on its air carrier certificate.

The FAA alleges TapJets knowingly used unqualified pilots, operated in a careless or reckless manner that endangered lives or property, and exhibited a cavalier attitude toward regulatory compliance.

The Emergency Order of Revocation is effective immediately, and the company cannot conduct charter flights while the order is in effect.

(Source: FAA news release)

FMI: www.faa.gov