FAA Proposes $60,000 Civil Penalty Against American Eagle Airlines

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $60,000 civil penalty against American Eagle Airlines, Inc. for failing to follow approved aircraft de-icing procedures for certain flights out of Sioux Falls, S.D.

The FAA alleges that on six days in November and December 2013, contractor Worldwide Flight Services allowed five employees who did not have proper training or qualifications to either perform the application of de-icing fluid on a dozen aircraft operated by American Eagle.

Under the airline’s FAA-approved Operations Specifications, American Eagle must ensure that anybody who performs such work is properly trained. The FAA alleges the airline operated the airplanes on passenger flights from Sioux Falls after the de-icing fluid was applied.

American Eagle is scheduled to meet with the FAA in October to discuss the case.