The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a US$550,000 civil penalty against Executive Airlines, Inc., of San Juan, P.R., for allegedly operating two ATR-72 twin turboprop planes when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

The FAA alleges Executive Airlines, a subsidiary of AMR Corporation, failed to complete required periodic, time-specific inspections of the aileron control systems of two aircraft, as ordered by an FAA Airworthiness Directive. Compliance with those directives is mandatory.

The FAA alleges that Executive Airlines operated the two aircraft when they were not in compliance with regulations on at least 35 revenue flights between June 13 and June 19, 2009, because the airline exceeded the mandated number of flight hours for a re-inspection.

"All operators must comply with maintenance regulations and requirements in a timely fashion," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

Executive Airlines has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency.