FAA Alleges Airline Fudged Records to Exploit Crew, Schedule More Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering a $1.3 million fine for Fort Lauderdale-based Gulfstream International Airlines after the airline allegedly violated FAA regulations.

Former pilots and other employees and the airline say the company routinely falsified flight-time records so that pilots would be scheduled to work more hours than permitted under federal safety rules.

The FAA is also expected to charge the airline with installing unapproved air conditioner compressors, as well as neglecting the maintenance of vent blowers on the airline's fleet of 27 BE-1900-D aircraft.

Gulfstream International has 30 days from the receipt of the civil penalty letter to respond to the FAA.