FAA Proposes $100,000 Civil Penalty Against Skywest Airlines

SEATTLE – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $100,000 civil penalty against SkyWest Airlines, Inc. of St. George, Utah, for allegedly operating an aircraft that was not in compliance with federal aviation regulations.

The FAA alleges SkyWest failed to inspect critical parts of a Bombardier CL-600 jet at the required intervals.

On Feb. 10, 2011, the carrier completed a detailed inspection of certain elevator hinge fittings in accordance with its maintenance program. The next inspection was due on April 14, 2012. However, the FAA alleges SkyWest did not perform this inspection until February 1, 2013.

The FAA alleges SkyWest operated the aircraft on at least 525 flights when the inspection was overdue.

SkyWest has requested to meet with the FAA to discuss the case.