FAA fines Sun Country Airlines $115K

Published 10:35 am Tuesday, September 29, 2015

MENDOTA HEIGHTS β€” The Federal Aviation Administration is fining Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines nearly $115,000.

The FAA announced the fine Monday. The agency alleges Sun Country, of Mendota Heights, violated drug and alcohol screening requirements for a pilot and other employees in safety-sensitive positions.

According to the FAA, the pilot flew for seven months without being made eligible for required random drug and alcohol testing.

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The FAA also says that Sun Country failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests and also failed to receive verified negative results before hiring or transferring a mechanic and three flight attendants into safety-sensitive positions.

Sun Country has 30 days to respond. A company spokesman tells the Star Tribune the airline is working with the FAA to review the allegations and reach β€œan appropriate resolution.”