FAA Proposes $777,000 Civil Penalty against Horizon Air

The FAA has proposed levying a $777,000 fine against Seattle-based Horizon Air for allegedly operating 32 Bombardier Q400s on 49,870 flights while the airplanes didn’t comply with FARs. The FAA alleges Horizon installed new external lighting systems on the aircraft, but did not conduct required tests for radio frequency and electromagnetic interference before returning the aircraft to service. Horizon operated the aircraft between Oct. 19, 2009 and Mar. 17, 2010, before the FAA discovered the compliance problems during routine surveillance. Horizon immediately completed tests and inspections of all 32 aircraft before further flights.Horizon Air had 30 days from receipt of the December 8 civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.