Surf Air faces big fine for using unqualified pilot on flights.

FAA Proposes $280,000 Penalty Against Southern Airways Express

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has warned it may fine Surf Air a massive $280,000 after one of its subsidiaries may have operated a number of flights with an unqualified pilot. 

The FAA said that Southern Airways Express of Palm Beach, Florida was facing a fine for allowing an unqualified co-pilot on revenue flights between 1st and 12 October 2022. It's alleged the firm operated three Cessna Caravan aeroplanes on around 32 commercial flights with a co-pilot who had not passed recent written or oral tests or a competency check. The flights occurred between Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia and Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia.

By using an unqualified pilot, Southern Airways Express operated the aircraft in a careless or reckless manner that endangered lives and property, the FAA alleges. 

Under the normal process for such incidents, the airline now has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s penalty notification with any mitigating circumstances or reasons. 

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