FAA Proposes a Civil Penalty of USD 170,000 against Pemco World Air Services

• Date: January 26, 2011
• Source: Admin

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According its Press Release dated Jan 21, 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a USD 170,000 civil penalty against Pemco World Air Services of Dothan, Ala.  

The violation

The latter allegedly failed to subject two individuals to pre-employment drug tests while hiring their services for safety-sensitive positions in the company.  The FAA has also cited Pemco’s failure to carry out the prescribed follow-up drug or alcohol testing on eight other individuals reinstated after completing return-to-duty training during 2008.  In all, the company failed to carry out twenty-four prescribed follow-up tests.  Failure to administer the pre-employment and reinstatement tests violate the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations.  

The FAA inspected Pemco’s pre-employment test program thrice and each time the FAA found that Pemco had not complied with the requirements. These findings led to FAA proposing penalties against Pemco. Pemco is required to respond to the FAA within 30 days of receipt of the enforcement letter.

Regulations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the US Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in US. The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the group under the name “Federal Aviation Agency” and adopted its current name in 1967 when it became a part of the US Department of Transportation.  

Amongst other things, the FAA:

• Regulates US commercial space transportation
• Issues, suspends or revokes pilot certificates
• Regulates civil aviation to promote safety especially through local offices called Flight Standards District Offices
• Regulates air navigation facilities’ geometry and flight inspection standards
• Encourages and develops civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology
• Develops and operates a system of air traffic control and navigation for civil and military aircraft

Sources:

1.       http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12302&omniRss=press_releasesAoc

2.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline_Deregulation_Act

3.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration