Common Airline Regulation Violations

Like any industry, airlines are required to follow certain safety regulations. However, unlike other industries, the consequences for failing to follow safety regulations can be catastrophic.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes and updates industry regulations for both commercial and private aircraft. Violating FAA regulations can result in costly and traumatic accidents for passengers and their families. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an airplane accident, reach out to an aviation attorney to discuss your options for recovery.

Some of the most commonly violated airline regulations include the following:

• Expired licenses: Just like a driver’s license, pilot licenses can expire. It is imperative that both pilots and the airlines who employ them ensure that all licenses are up-to-date and valid.
• Maintenance violations: Aircraft must undergo thorough, routine maintenance to ensure they remain safe to fly. Pilots and airline personnel are required to perform proper maintenance on an aircraft at takeoff and landing in addition to anytime a potential problem has been noticed.
• Record-keeping violations: It is imperative that pilots and airline personnel keep accurate records regarding when and where a flight takes off, who was aboard the flight, as well as the information for its landing and any maintenance it has undergone.
• Altitude deviations: Every flight must maintain an assigned altitude. Flying above or below the assigned altitude is an FAA violation.
• Airspace violations: This violation occurs when an aircraft fails to secure permission before entering another airspace, or enters restricted airspace.
• Runway incursions: This occurs when a plane takes off from or lands on the wrong runway, or does so without permission.
• Inadequate fuel reserves: It is imperative for a pilot to ensure that they have properly fueled up the aircraft before taking off. It is also important to make sure that they are flying on a full fuel tank, rather than accidentally switching to a partially or completely empty tank.
• VFR clearance violations: Pilots are required to avoid flying into clouds and bad weather, even if the intention is to fly through the layer of clouds to get to a less cloudy area above or below the aircraft.
• Transporting hazardous materials: It is imperative that pilots are aware of what they are transporting, as well as how they are required to transport certain materials that might be hazardous. Without proper preparation and permission, transporting hazardous materials is an FAA violation.

If you believe a pilot or airline may have violated FAA regulations, putting themselves or others in danger, you can report the alleged violation to the FAA Hotline and should consider talking to an aviation attorney. Aviation accidents can be horrific and deadly. FAA regulations need to be taken seriously; if an airline is aware that a pilot under their employ is violating FAA regulations and an accident occurs, the airline may also be considered liable for resulting damages. To learn more about common airline regulation violations or if you have been involved in an aviation accident, reach out to an aviation attorney.