FAA Proposes $350,000 Civil Penalty Against Lynx Aviation

SEATTLE – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $350,000 civil penalty against Lynx Aviation of Westminster, Colo., for allegedly operating a Bombardier Dash 8-400 twin turbo-prop aircraft when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

The FAA alleges that Lynx, a subsidiary of Republic Holdings, failed to complete and document required inspections after company mechanics replaced an engine hydraulic pump on April 17, 2010. The company’s general maintenance manual mandates completion of a post-maintenance inspection and documentation of that inspection before the aircraft is returned to commercial service.

The FAA alleges that Lynx operated the aircraft on 177 revenue passenger flights between the date of the work and May 26, 2010, when an FAA air safety inspector discovered the alleged violations. The FAA alleges the airline had four opportunities to detect the missing inspection report and conduct and document the required inspection, but failed to catch the problem through its own safety processes.

Lynx has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.