NY/NJ port to pay $3.5 million for airport safety violations

   The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has agreed to pay the Federal Aviation Administration $3.5 million for aircraft rescue and firefighting violations at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and Teterboro airports spanning from December 2010 to June 2012.
   The port authority has 30 days to pay the fine before incurring an additional $1.5 million fine and a daily fee of $27,500 for each violation.
   The port authority has also agreed to create a dedicated team to perform aircraft rescue and firefighting duties by March 31, 2014; hire a fire chief and facility captains; and develop a training curriculum. It is now also required to perform monthly firefighting audits.
   FAA officials first noticed the violations during a December 2011 inspection at JFK. Upon finding similar problems at Teterboro, officials looked into all the airports. 
   “We expect all airports to comply with our safety regulations and to correct any deficiencies immediately,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. “These violations were egregious, and they will not be tolerated.” – Jon Ross