Flight School Allegedly Failed To Complete Required Staff Training

The FAA say it plans to assess a $221,650 civil penalty against Flying Vikings, Inc. a flight school in Hayward, CA, for allegedly failing to complete the required training for its staff and failing to maintain training records, as required by FARs.

The FAA alleges that from Feb. 1, 2008 to Oct. 23, 2008, the school did not have a chief instructor, assistant chief instructor or instructor who had completed an approved list of training or refresher courses within the previous 12 calendar months, as required. During that time period, the school provided training to 20 students and graduated 10 of them. The FAA reviewed student records and training during the time the school was not in compliance, and took appropriate action when it found discrepancies, including revocation of one pilot certificate. 

The FAA also alleges that the school failed to properly maintain and certify the training records for 11 students between Feb. 1, 2008 and Sept. 10, 2008.

"Good solid basic training and accurate pilot records are the foundation for pilots to operate safely throughout their flying careers," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "We expect flight schools to help provide that solid safety foundation."

Flying Vikings, Inc., has 30 days from receipt of the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

FMI: www.faa.gov