US FAA said it is proposing a $425,000 civil penalty against Atlanta-based Atlantic Southeast Airlines, a SkyWest Inc. subsidiary, for allegedly operating two Bombardier CRJ regional jets when they were not in compliance with FAA regulations.
The FAA charged that ASA, flying as Delta Connection, “failed to complete required inspections of the two aircraft after they were struck by lightning. One strike took place on July 21, 2008 and the other on July 23, 2008.” FAA also alleged that “ASA operated the two aircraft on a total of 13 revenue passenger flights between July 22 and 24 when they were not in compliance with regulations.”
FAA regulations require the carrier to conduct and document the detailed check for lightning strike damage mandated in the airline’s aircraft maintenance manual. ASA has 30 days to respond to the agency.