US FAA last week proposed to fine Alaska Airlines $500,000 for flying a 737 without required cabin floor lighting on 478 revenue flights between July 12 and Dec. 2, 2004.

The agency said Goodrich Aviation Technical Services performed "extensive" MRO on the aircraft but did not reinstall the floor proximity lighting system's emergency exit identifier lights. Following 40 additional inspections, Alaska discovered the problem and installed the identifier lights on Feb. 2, 2005. Eight days later an FAA inspector notified the carrier that incorrect lights were installed but it operated the aircraft on "at least" 43 more revenue flights before replacing the lights on Feb. 16, according to the agency. Alaska requested an "informal conference" to discuss the penalty on Jan. 18, FAA said.