FAA Fines Sun Country Airlines $115,000

MENDOTA HEIGHTS (AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration is fining Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines nearly $115,000.

The FAA announced the fine Monday. The agency alleges Sun Country, of Mendota Heights, violated drug and alcohol screening requirements for a pilot and other employees in safety-sensitive positions.

According to the FAA, the pilot flew for seven months without being made eligible for required random drug and alcohol testing.

The FAA also says that Sun Country failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests and also failed to receive verified negative results before hiring or transferring a mechanic and three flight attendants into safety-sensitive positions.

Sun Country has 30 days to respond. A company spokesman says the airline is working with the FAA to review the allegations and reach "an appropriate resolution."