FAA plans fines for drug-testing violations at Mesa Airlines

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a nearly $175,000 fine against a Phoenix-based regional airline for several failures in its drug-testing program for workers in safety-sensitive jobs.

The FAA said Monday that Mesa Airlines is accused of hiring five dispatchers and a quality assurance inspector without assigning them to a random drug-testing program. The operator of regional jets flying under the American Airlines and United Airlines banners also reportedly failed to notify the FAA that a mechanic refused to submit to a drug test and had several other issues with its drug-testing program.

Mesa spokeswoman Marcia Scott said the airline had no immediate comment on the proposed fines. The company has 30 days to respond to the FAA decision.