FAA Proposes $65,000 Fine Against Avelo Airlines Over Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $65,000 civil penalty against Avelo Airlines. The enforcement action stems from alleged violations of mandatory drug and alcohol testing protocols for the carrier’s operational personnel.
Non-Compliance with Operational Safety Protocols
According to FAA investigations, the Houston-based airline failed to include approximately one dozen employees in the federally mandated random testing pools.
The primary allegations detail the following:
- Exclusion from the Testing Pool: The company allegedly failed to include 10 cabin crew members and flight crew members in its random testing database.
- Safety-Sensitive Functions: The affected employees performed critical aviation safety duties during various periods between April and November 2024.
- Lack of Oversight: During this timeframe, Avelo Airlines allowed personnel to operate without having first been subjected to the substance surveillance program required by the regulatory body.
Legal Framework and Next Steps
Maintaining a substance-free environment is a fundamental pillar of commercial aviation safety. The FAA utilizes these sanctions to ensure that all operators maintain rigorous monitoring programs to mitigate risks in the air.
Following the official notification of this proposed penalty, the administrative process grants the airline a specific window for response:
- Response Period: The airline has 30 calendar days to submit its defense or respond to the agency’s enforcement letter.
- Evaluation: Once the response is received, the aeronautical authority will determine whether to move forward with the full fine or if adjustments are warranted based on the evidence presented by the company.
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