FAA Proposes $170,000 Fine Against Sonoma County Airport Over Rescue, Firefighting and Wildlife Inspection Violations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced in Washington on November 12 that it proposes a $170,000 civil penalty against Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in California for allegedly violating aircraft rescue and firefighting and wildlife inspection requirements.
The FAA alleges the airport did not provide the required personnel and vehicles for aircraft rescue and firefighting coverage for two passenger flights in March 2025, as required by its FAA-approved Airport Certification Manual, nor did it notify the airline of the lack of coverage.
The FAA further alleges that, for one of those flights, the airport failed to perform runway inspections for deer and other wildlife before the first flight of the day, as required by its FAA-approved wildlife hazard management plan.
Sonoma County Airport has 30 days after receiving the FAA's notice to respond to the agency. The proposed penalty remains an allegation at this stage, not a final determination.
Source: Federal Aviation Administration
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图:联邦航空局(FAA)总部大楼(联邦固定图库)。 / Photo: Federal Aviation Administration headquarters (federal asset library).
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