FAA Proposes $1 Million Civil Penalty Against Horizon Air

SEATTLE – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a civil penalty of $1,005,000 against Horizon Air of Seattle, for allegedly operating 22 Bombardier DHC-8-402 turboprop airliners on more than 186,000 revenue flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

The FAA alleges that Horizon installed new security flight deck doors on the airplanes using blind rivets instead of the required solid rivets, and that the airline operated the 22 aircraft on 186,189 revenue passenger flights between Dec.1, 2007, and June 1, 2011, before replacing the rivets.

The FAA also alleges the airline, even after being told the aircraft were not in compliance, operated one of the aircraft on another 22 passenger-carrying revenue flights before replacing the rivets. The installation of blind rivets can damage other components, including wiring.

“We expect airlines to comply with all of our safety regulations and to correct safety defects promptly,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The FAA discovered the alleged violations when Horizon incorrectly modified a 23rd aircraft with blind rivets, and the plane experienced an in-flight wiring damage incident during a non-revenue flight.

Horizon has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s notice of proposed civil penalty to respond to the agency.