Penalties Would Total More Than $1.2 Million

The FAA has proposed two fines against Skywest Airlines for operating aircraft that were not in compliance with its regulations.

In one case, the airline is accused of operating two aircraft that were not in compliance with federal aviation regulations.

The FAA alleges SkyWest failed to inspect the cargo door skins on two Bombardier CL-600 jets at required intervals. The inspections were required by an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued in 2006 after cracks were discovered in the aluminum cargo door skin of a CL-600 during fatigue testing. The FAA determined that regular inspections of that type of aircraft for similar cracking could help prevent a situation in which a cracked skin could lead to an accident or unsafe condition.

SkyWest allegedly operated the aircraft on a total of 15,969 flights when the inspections were overdue.

The penalty for those violations is set at $911,000.

In the other instance, the FAA is proposing a $320,000 civil penalty against SkyWest for allegedly failing to inspect certain main landing gear components on four Bombardier CL-600 jets at required intervals for wear that could lead to an unsafe condition or failure of a component. SkyWest allegedly operated the aircraft on more than 6,700 flights when the inspections were overdue.

“Safety is our top priority,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We expect operators to comply fully with all FAA regulations and directives.”

The airline has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letters to respond to the agency.

FMI: www.faa.gov