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 and Morgantown Municipal Airport, both 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.