FAA Proposes Fines Against Two Airlines

The FAA announced last week that it proposed fines against both Great Lakes Aviation and Southwest Airlines for unrelated FAR violations. The FAA claims that Great Lakes flew a Beech 1900 on 19 different occasions when the aircraft’s de-icing fluid was heated to temperatures exceeding the 180-degree limit that could possibly damage the aircraft. Southwest Airlines was accused of incorrectly wiring a windshield heater switch on a Boeing 717 and operating that aircraft on 1,140 passenger flights before the error was detected. The FAA proposed levying a $304,000 fine against Great Lakes and a $325,000 fine against Southwest. Both airlines have 30 days to appeal the rulings.