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FAA audit finds a number of issues with Allegiant Air, reports say

FAA audit finds a number of issues with Allegiant Air, reports say
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An FAA audit had found a number of issues surrounding the compliance and operation of Allegiant Air, the Wall Street Journal reports. However, all of Allegiant’s problems were considered “minor” and “non-systematic” in nature.

The audit is just the latest in a string of ugly incidents Allegiant, which specializes in cheap flights to smaller airports and vacation destinations. In addition to a labor dispute the airline tentatively ended last month, Allegiant has received criticisms from employees and customers alike for allegedly cutting safety corners in the name of profit.

The airline has also seen its plane make a number of emergency landings in the past few years.

Among the issues found in the FAA audit was inadequate and improper training, improperly followed procedures (especially when pushing back from gates) and handbooks not equipped with proper guidance.

The FAA audit also reported one instance in which the Allegiant failed to properly notify the regulating body after an in-flight engine shutdown. The incident occurred in March, and the airline failed to report to the FAA within 96 hours.

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.