The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a number of penalties on small charter carriers and MRO providers for various safety violations in January, totalling USD548,675.

On January 19, the FAA proposed a fine of USD252,175 against execuFlight (EFT, Fort Lauderdale Executive), a Florida-based charter specialist. The regulator alleges that an unqualified worker performed maintenance of the carrier's Gulfstream III. The FAA also established that the same worker was allowed to both perform the maintenance and sign off on work, which is against federal laws. Furthermore, the carrier allegedly failed to keep proper maintenance record of the business jet. execuFlight has until February 18, 2018, to respond to the allegations.

The regulator also proposed a USD167,500 fine against Steele Aviation (Van Nuys) for allegedly operating 78 flights between September 2015 and June 2016 with two aircraft, a Gulfstream IV and a Hawker 125, which were not listed on the company's air operator's certificate (AOC). Furthermore, the airline employed unqualified pilots to operate the aircraft.

Commercial Jet, an MRO provider based at Miami International, is facing a USD75,000 fine for allegedly improperly conducted repairs of Amerijet International's B767's gear in June 2017.

Both Steele Aviation and Commercial Jet have asked to meet with the FAA to discuss the cases.

The FAA also proposed a USD54,000 fine against True Value, a hardware store, for violating the hazardous materials regulations by intending to send a container of flammable epoxy paint via air services of FedEx Express. The company has until February 18, 2018, to respond to the charges.

On January 26, the regulator issued an emergency order of revocation against TapJets, an on-demand air taxi provider. The FAA alleges that the company operated 10 passenger-carrying flights with unqualified pilots, and flew further 14 flights using aircraft which were not listed in its AOC. The order is effective immediately and TapJets cannot operate any further charters as long as it is in force.