The FAA proposed more than $330,000 in civil penalties against four aviation companies on August 26 for alleged violations involving drug and alcohol testing programs and aircraft maintenance requirements.
The proposed penalties include:
- Lifeflight Aviation Services: $73,000. The FAA alleges the company failed to include six pilots and two mechanics in its random drug and alcohol testing pool. The agency also alleges one pilot was hired without a verified negative pre-employment drug test and that all eight employees performed safety-sensitive duties.
- Ameriflight: $127,500. The FAA alleges the company failed to include a pilot and mechanic in its random drug and alcohol testing pool and allowed both employees to perform safety-sensitive duties.
- Holling Enterprises: $69,948. The FAA alleges the repair station performed maintenance on wheel and tire assemblies for aircraft outside its ratings and at an unauthorized location. The agency also alleges the company approved the parts for return to service without the required certification.
- Lycoming Engines: $60,000. The FAA alleges the repair station failed to follow the manufacturer’s manual while maintaining four engines and returned them to service without replacing a required exhaust bypass valve assembly.
The proposed penalties underscore the importance of maintaining strong internal controls, verifying that employees performing safety-sensitive duties are properly enrolled in required testing programs, and ensuring maintenance is conducted within the scope of a repair station’s ratings and approved procedures.
The allegations remain subject to the FAA’s enforcement process, and the companies have an opportunity to respond.