Florida-based regional Southern Airways Express could have to pay a large fine for flying with an unqualified pilot.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $280,000 civil penalty against the airline  for allegedly using an unqualified co-pilot on revenue flights.

READ:  ‘Public safety’ will determine when aircraft can fly again – FAA

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

Southern Airways Express was bought in 2022 for a reported $1.42bn by Surf Air. The airline has said that it plans a fleet renewal and expansion with 100 new Cessna Caravan aircraft.