FAA Seeks $170K Fine Against Sonoma County Airport

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Federal Aviation Administration proposes a $170,000 fine against Sonoma County Airport, alleging it failed to provide required aircraft rescue and firefighting coverage for two passenger flights in March 2025.

The agency announced the proposed civil penalty Thursday.

The FAA alleges the airport lacked the personnel and vehicles required by its FAA-approved Airport Certification Manual for both flights. The airport also failed to notify the airline about the lack of coverage, according to the agency.

For one of those flights, the FAA alleges the airport failed to inspect the runway for deer and other wildlife before the first flight of the day.

The airport’s FAA-approved wildlife hazard management plan requires those inspections.

Sonoma County Airport has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s notice to respond to the agency.

Airport authorities could not be immediately reached for comment.