FAA proposes $1 million fine for Horizon Air
Aug 9, 2012, 6:45 AM | Updated: 9:10 am
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $1 million fine against Seattle-based Horizon Air for flying more than 186,000 flights with improperly installed security doors leading to the cockpit.
In a statement, the FAA says Horizon installed new security flight deck doors on the airplanes using blind rivets instead of the required solid rivets.
The agency says violations happened on 22 aircraft between Dec.1, 2007, and June 1, 2011. The airline eventually replaced them all.
The FAA also alleges Horizon flew one of its planes 22 more times after being told it was in violation.
The agency says the installation of blind rivets can damage other components, including wiring.
“We expect airlines to comply with all of our safety regulations and to correct safety defects promptly,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement.
The rivets are used to bind two sides of metal together.
An industry safety expert tells The Seattle Times they’re often used when workers can’t access both sides of a solid rivet.
Consultant Keith Mackay says the strength of the rivets shouldn’t be a major concern in this case.
“A 400-pound guy charging at the door probably wouldn’t break through either rivet,” he tells the Times.
Alaska has the option to appeal the proposed fine.
