WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $280,000 civil penalty against Southern Airways Express of Palm Beach, Florida, for allegedly using an unqualified co-pilot on revenue flights. 

The FAA alleges that between Oct. 1, 2022, and Oct. 12, 2022, the company operated three Cessna Caravan airplanes on 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. 

The company has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s penalty letter to respond to the agency.