Everett Aircraft Maintenance Company Agrees to Pay $275,000 and Implement Enhanced Compliance Policies

            An aircraft maintenance company in Everett, Washington, has agreed to settle two federal civil penalty claims brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Based on its investigation, the FAA contends that from 2006-2009 Aviation Technical Services (ATS) violated FAA regulations – and thus created potential safety issues – by not following proper procedures for replacing fuselage skins and not using proper cradles to support the aircraft during maintenance work on over 40 Southwest Airline Boeing 737s.

            Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, ATS has agreed to pay the government $275,000 and implement policies specifically designed to promote compliance with FAA regulations through improved quality control, engineering oversight of maintenance, safety management, and voluntary reporting of safety issues.

            “The FAA’s mission is to promote safe air travel and protect our country’s passengers, and their safety regulations must be honored,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “Monitoring and enforcing compliance with FAA regulations is critical to this mission.  I applaud the FAA’s efforts.”

                ATS is one of the largest third-party aircraft maintenance companies in North America.  As part of today’s settlement, ATS does not admit liability or agree to the government’s characterization of its conduct.

            Government agencies supporting and/or participating in the successful resolution of this matter include: FAA Office of Chief Counsel; FAA Northwest Mountain Region Office of Regional Counsel; and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Transportation.