FAA Proposes $2.8M Fine Against PEMCO for Maintenance Violations

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a civil penalty of $2,839,900 against PEMCO World Air Services, a Tampa-based aircraft repair station, for a series of alleged aircraft maintenance violations. The enforcement action, detailed in a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty (NPCP), centers on the use of expired materials during maintenance on aircraft operated by Frontier Airlines.

This substantial proposed fine underscores the FAA's rigorous oversight of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. The allegations against PEMCO, a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), highlight the critical importance of supply chain integrity and strict adherence to manufacturer maintenance manuals and internal quality control procedures. For the broader MRO industry, the case serves as a significant reminder of the financial and reputational risks associated with non-compliance in aircraft safety standards.

Details of the Allegations

According to the FAA press release dated February 20, 2026, the alleged violations occurred over a 14-month period, between September 2022 and November 2023. The agency claims that PEMCO maintenance personnel knowingly used expired products while performing work on five separate Frontier Airlines aircraft. The expired materials allegedly included critical components such as adhesives, epoxies, resins, paints, and fiberglass cloth.

The FAA asserts that by using these out-of-date products, PEMCO failed to follow the aircraft's maintenance manual and its own internal quality control manual, constituting a direct breach of federal aviation regulations. The specific nature of the materials involved points to a potential systemic failure in inventory management and quality assurance at the facility during the specified timeframe.

Regulatory Framework and Enforcement

The FAA's action against PEMCO follows a formal investigation process. The NPCP is the official instrument used by the agency to initiate a civil penalty action for alleged regulatory breaches. This process is governed by federal regulations, specifically 14 C.F.R. Part 13, which outlines the procedures for investigative and enforcement actions.

PEMCO World Air Services has a 30-day window from the receipt of the FAA's enforcement letter to formally respond to the allegations. The company's options typically include paying the penalty in full, submitting evidence to refute the FAA's claims, or entering into negotiations to potentially reach a settlement for a reduced amount. The final penalty is not fixed and can be adjusted based on the evidence presented by the repair station.

Industry Context and Precedent

The proposed $2.84 million penalty against PEMCO is significant but not without precedent. The FAA has a history of levying substantial fines for maintenance-related infractions to enforce MRO compliance. For comparison, the FAA proposed a $2.9 million penalty against American Eagle Airlines in 2010 for improper repairs on regional jets. Such large penalties signal the agency's low tolerance for violations that could compromise aircraft airworthiness.

The case also reflects a broader trend of increased regulatory scrutiny on the aviation supply chain. The integrity of parts and materials is a cornerstone of aviation safety, and the alleged use of expired products by a certified repair station is viewed as a serious lapse. While the FAA pursues enforcement actions, it also encourages proactive compliance through initiatives like its Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program. This program allows certificate holders to report potential violations they discover internally, often resulting in corrective action rather than punitive fines, fostering a culture of safety and transparency.

Next Steps for PEMCO

The immediate future for PEMCO involves a formal response to the FAA's allegations within the stipulated 30-day period. The company and its parent, ATSG, have not yet publicly disclosed their intended course of action. The response will likely involve a thorough internal review of the FAA's findings and the company's maintenance records from the period in question.

The final penalty amount could differ from the proposed $2,839,900, pending the outcome of any discussions or appeals between PEMCO and the FAA. The process can be lengthy, sometimes involving administrative law judges if a settlement is not reached. Frontier Airlines, whose aircraft were involved, has not been named as a party to the enforcement action against the MRO provider.

Why This Matters

This enforcement action against a major MRO provider reinforces the non-negotiable nature of maintenance regulations in civil aviation. It serves as a potent warning to all repair stations about the consequences of deviating from established procedures and material specifications. For the industry, it highlights the continuous need for robust quality control systems and vigilant oversight of the entire maintenance supply chain to ensure passenger and crew safety.

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