U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration



### August 20, 2013 New England Region Office ofthe Regional Counsel



### FACSIMILE (202) 366-7536 & 

### U.S. FIRST CLASS MAIL
The Honorable J.E. Sullivan Administrative Law Judge Office ofHearings, M-20 U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue, S.E. (E11-310) Washington, D.C. 20590
In the Matter ofOctavian Filoti Docket No. FAA-2013-0613 Case No. 2013NE700100
Dear Judge Sullivan: 12 New England Executive Park Burlington, MA 01803-5299 Telephone: (781) 238-7046 FAX: (781) 238-7055



# RECEIVED AUG 2&. 

# 28f3 

# HEARING 

# DOCKET.

In reference to the above matter, enclosedplease find Complainant's Motion for Decision.

Enclosures

cc: Hearing Docket Mr. Octavian Filoti

### In the Matter of:

OCTAVIAN FILOTI UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF HEARINGS

WASHINGTON, D.C.

DOCKETNO. FAA-2013-0613
Dated: August 20, 2013
FAA Case#2013NE700100 Hazardous Materials
The Honorable J.E. Sullivan, ALJ



### MOTION FOR DECISION
The Complainant, Federal Aviation Administration, by and through counsel, hereby files Complainant's Motion for Decision in accordance with 14 CFR §13.218(f)(5) oftheRules ofPractice in Federal Aviation Administration Civil Penalty Actions ("Rules ofPractice"), and in support thereofstates the following:

Respondent's Admission to All ofthe Allegations Set Forth in the Complaint: 

### 1. OnJuly 15,2013,the Complainant filed its Complaint in this matter, pursuant to Rule 208 (14 CFR § 13.208), alleging that Respondent violated fourteen (14) Hazardous Material Regulations (Title 49 ofthe Code ofFederal Regulations) and, as such, was assessed a civil penalty in the amount of$1,000.
2. Section 13.209(a) ofthe Rules requires a respondent to file a written answerto the complaint, or a written motion pursuant to sections 13.208(d) or 13.218(f)(1)-(4) of the Rules, no laterthan 30 days after service ofthe complaint.
3. Complainant served its complaint upon Respondent onJuly 18, 2013, via certified mail, return receipt requested.
4. Receipt ofthe Complaint onJuly 18, 2013, via certified mail at Respondent's residence, is evidenced by signature ofSusan R. Magro (Exhibit A).
5. Pursuantto the Rules, Respondent was required to file an answer, atthe very latest, by August 18, 2013...--------

------



### 6. As ofthe date ofthis Motion, August 20, 2013, Respondent has failed to serve Complainant with an answer orother written motion inresponse to the Complaint.
7. Section 13.209(f) ofthe Rulesprovides that, "Aperson's failure to file an answer without good cause shall be deemed an admission ofthe truth ofeach allegation contained in the complaint."
8. Consequently, because Respondent has failed to file an answer as ofthis date, each allegation contained in the Complaint should be deemed**admitted~** 

### 9. Underthese circumstances, the facts as alleged in the Complaint should be deemed admitted, thus supporting a finding ofRespondent's violation ofthe fourteen (14) Hazardous Material Regulations set forth in the Complaint.
Reasonableness ofSanction:
10. The proposed civil penalty of$1,000 is in accordance with 49 U.S.C. §5123(a) 1

### and within the applicable range for a violation ofthis type as set forth in FAA Order 2150.38.
11. A civil penalty is determined by analyzing the statutory factors present in the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Statute, 49 U.S.C. 5213, including the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity ofthe violation, the degree ofculpability ofthe violator, any history ofpast violations, the ability to pay, any effect onthe ability to continue to do business, and other matters asjustice may require. 49 U.S.C. 5213(c).
12. The statutory factors are then given a specific weightto determine the aggregate weight ofthe case. Finally, a matrix is used to further narrowthe penalty range and select an appropriate sanction withinthat range for each violation category (Matrix, Figure C-1 & 

### Risk Categories Figure C-2 are attached hereto as Exhibit B).
13. In this case, Respondent offered two (2) Orion Hand Held Flares, which are properly categorized as Signal devices, hand. They are in a hazard class 1.4S (Explosive), packing group II. According to 2150.3B, this material is classified as a "Risk Category B"material, and thus carries a moderate weight2• 

### 14. As this shipment was "Undeclared" as set forth inthe Figure C-1 matrix, the range is $250- $1,000 per category. As Respondent had violations concerning shipping papers, labels, markings, andpackaging, a moderate range of$675 (midpoint) could

149 U.S.C. § 5123(a), as written at the time ofthe incident at issue, states that "aperson that knowingly violates this chapter ora regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter is liable to the United States Government ofa civil penalty ofat least $250 but not more than $55,000 for each violation." 2 Ifthe hazardous materials referenced in paragraph 13 were the only items offered by Respondent for air transportation in violation ofthe Hazardous Material Regulations, a civil penalty of$1,000 would be justified. Unfortunately for Respondent, additional undeclared hazardous materials were offered for air transportation in violation ofthe Hazardous Materials Regulations as set forth in paragraph 16.

### ,

be used, multiplied by the four categories. The total civil penalty for the flares would total 

### $2,700.
15. However, the asterisk next to the columnheading "Individual" is explained onpage C-13, and states, 

### "The range for the total civil penalty to be assessed, 

### absent mitigating or aggravating factors, is $250 (the statutory minimum) to $1,000."
16. Respondent also offered one (1) 9-ounce aerosol container ofAlaska BearRepellant, whichis properly categorized as "Aerosols, non-flammable." 

### Itis in a hazard class 2.2 (non-flammable gas). According to 2150.3B, this material is classified as a "Risk Category C" material, and thus carries a minimum weight. Hadthis beenthe only undeclared hazardous material offered by Respondent, the civil penalty would likely have been $250, which is the minimum allowed by statute.
17. As demonstrated above, the FAA properly followed agency guidance, took into account all applicable factors as required by its policy, and acted reasonably in arriving at the $1,000 civil penalty sought inthis case.
In conclusion, the pleadings reflect that Complainanthas admitted all ofthe allegations set forth in the Complaintby virtue ofhis failure to deny. Further, the FAA's sanction calculation is reasonable and in accordance with applicable statutes and FAA Orders. As such, there are no genuine issues ofmaterial fact disputed bythe parties. WHEREFORE, The Complainant respectfullyrequests a decision affirming the allegations
set forth inthe Complaint.

Attorney Federal Aviation Administration Office ofthe Regional Counsel 12 NewEngland Executive Park Burlington, Massachusetts 01803-5299 TEL: (781) 238-7046 FAX: (781) 238-7055

### CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that the foregoing has been mailedthis date by Certified Mail-Return Receipt Requested to: Respondent Mr. Octavian Filoti 67 Osprey Drive Portsmouth, NewHampshire 03801
I certify thatthe foregoing has been sent via Facsimile and by U.S. First Class Mail this date to: Administrative Law Judge The Honorable J.E. Sullivan Administrative Law Judge Office ofHearings, M-20 U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue, S.E. (Ell-310) Washington, DC 20590 Fax: (202) 366-7536
and Hearing Docket Federal Aviation Administration (original 

### & 1 copy) 800 Independence Avenue, SW Wilbur Wright Building-Suite 2W1000 Washington, DC 20591 Fax: (202) 493-5142


# .**n~ ~ttn:**  H=DocketClerk, AGC-430

DONNA SORENSEN August 20, 2013 Program Analyst

# EXHIBIT ''A''"

/ / ..D <0 tr' 

### rn tr' <0 Postage ru ru Certified Fee r=l fletum flecelpt Fee CJ (Endorsement Required) CJ CJ Restricted Delivery Fee (Endorsement flequlred) CJ ru Total Postage & Fees <0 ru tr' CJ CJ ("'-

SENDER: COMPLETE THIS $

Postmark Here

## ~-----------1 

## JUL 7 

## 520!J

• Complete items 1, 2, and 3.• Item 4 If Restricted Delivery**~** • Print your name

### and address on the reverse

sothatwe can return the card to you. • Attach this card to the back ofthe mailpiece, or on the front if space permits.
1.**A~;·cleA~dressedto:** MZ 7-15-13

Od avl.an Filoti**6~** Osprey Drive P rtsmouth, NH 03801

2. Article N4mqer ; 1

### ll,

## I ·. i 1 rrransfe!lrom

### ~ervl~e tabJQ•

. ! 

### II :1 I 3. ServiceType

0 CertlfledMail 0 Registered 0 Insured Mall 0 Express Mall I 0 Return Receipt for Merchandise 0 C.O.D. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) DYes

### / Certified Mail Provides:

• A mailing receipt
• A unique identifierforyour mailpiece • A record ofdelivery kept byttie Postal Service fortwo years ImportantReminders:
• Certified Mail may ONLY becombined with First-Class Mail® or Priority Mail®- • Certified Mail is notavailable for anyclass of international mail.
• NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified Mail. For

valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mail.
• Foran additional fee, a Return Receiptmay be requested to provide proof of

delivery. To obtain Return Receipt serv1ce, please complete and attach a Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) tothe article and addapplicable postage to coverthe fee. Endorse maiipiece "Return Receipt Requested". To receive a fee waiver for a duplicate return receipt, a USPS®postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is reqwred.
• For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or

addressee's authorized agent. Advise the clerk or markthe mailpiece with the ' endorsement •RestrictedDefivery". 1
• Ifa postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, please presentthe arti· I

cle at the post office for postmarking. If a postmark on the Certified Mail 

# I receipt is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. IMPORTANT: Save this receipt and present itwhen making an inquiry. J PS Form 3800, August 2006 (Reverse) PSN 7530·02-000·9047

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

• Sender: Please print your name, address, and Zl


### Federal Aviation Administration 

### Office of

### the Regiomi1 Counsel, ANE-7 12 New England Executive Park, Rm 401 Burlington.

## MA01803-5299

# EXHIBIT ''B''

## .. 10/01/07



### CATEGORY "A" {Maximum Weight} 

### RISK CATEGORIES (Figure C-2) 2150.38

Category "A" materials are materials thatwhen released in the confines ofan aircraft can potentially have a catastrophic effect on an aircraft's ability to continue safe flight, resulting in a crash oremergency landing causing injury or death to passengers and flightcrew, as well as persons on the ground. Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Explosives: Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Compressed Gases All 2.1, 2.2 with Subsidiary Risk 5.1 and All 2.3 PIH Zones A-D Flammable Liquids PG I, II, and (PIH) Division 4.1 Flammable Solids PG I, & (Matches) Division 4.2 Spontaneously Combustible Materials PG I (Pyrophoric) Division 4.3 Dangerous When Wet PG I Class 5 Division 5.1 Oxidizing Liquids and Solids PG I, II, e.g., "Chemical Oxygen Generators" Division 5.2 Organic Peroxides PG II (Type A,B,C,D) Class 6 Division 6.1 Toxic/Poisonous Materials PG I (PIH) Class 7 Cargo Aircraft Only Quantities on PassengerAircraft Class 8 Corrosive Material Liquid PG I and (PIH) Forbidden Materials (See 49 C.F.R. § 173.21 & ICAO Technical Instructions) Forbidden Hazmat listed in Dangerous Goods Table 49 C.F.R. § 172.101 

### CATEGORY "8" {Moderate Weight} The materials listed in Category "8" are materials that may not pose an immediate threattothe safety ofa flight, but can cause death or injury to persons due to unintended releases in aircraft cabin areas, and potential damage to aircraft structures overa longer period oftime dueto undiscovered releases on aircraftstructural components.

--.......

### >~Class 1 Class 3 Class4 Division 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, All Compatibility Groups PG Ill Flammable Liquids Division 4.1 Flammable Solids PG II, Ill

Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 Class 8 Division 4.2 Spontaneously Combustible Materials PG II, Ill Division 4.3 Dangerous When Wet PG II, Ill Division 5.1 Oxidizing Liquids or Solids PG Ill Division 5.2 Organic Peroxides (Type E,F,G) Division 6.1 Toxic/Poisonous Materials PG I, II ( NON- PIH ) Division 6.2 Infectious Substances Radioactive Materials, yellow label II, white label I Liquids PG II, Ill Solids PG I, II, Ill 

### Category "C" {Minimum Weight} The materials listed in Category "C" are materials that present the least amount of risk to the transportation system. ··----3)P<Ciass 2 Class 6 Class 7 Class 9 2.2 Nonflammable Gas Division 6.1 Toxic/Poisonous Materials PG Ill All other RAM (LSA, LTO QTY, Instruments, and Articles) Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods {ORM-D and Consumer Commodity}

NOTE: This guidance is not intended to replace the experiencedjudgment ofa special agentwho is convinced, based on the evidence and facts ofa case, thatthe failure ofan aircarrier, shipper, freightforwarder, or passengertofollow established regulations has posed a risk to aviation safety. 

### C-17

### 10/01/07

OFFENSE CATEGORIES
I. Declared Shinment 1. Shipping Papers 2. Labels 3. Markings 4. Packaging 5. Training 6. Emerg. Response 7. Release into Environ. 8. Other 

# >- II. Undeclared Shinment I Within Hazmat Ouantitv Limitations fT. -shipping Papers 

### fz· Labels

3. Markings 

### lfoP. Packaging**~Trammg**

6. Emerg. Response

. 7. Release into Environ. 8. Other III. Undeclared Shinment Hazmat Forbidden on 1 or exceeds gt):: limits for1 Passen2er Aircraft I. ShippingPapers 2. Labels 3. Markings 4. Packaging 5. Training 6. Emerg. Response 7. Release into Environ. 8. Other IV. Undeclared Shinment Forbidden on 1 or exceeds gt):: limits for1 All Aircraft 1. Shipping Papers 2. Labels 3. Markings 4. Packaging 5. Training 6. Emerg. Response 7. Release into Environ. 8. Other 

### v. Intentional or 

### \ MATRIX & DEFINITIONS 

# W (Figure C-1)

C. Business Entity that uses orhandles A. Individual* B. Business Entity hazmat in the course ofbusiness
250-550 250-1,100 500-2,200 250-550 250-1'100 500-2,200 250-550 250-1,100 500-2,200 250-550 250-1,100 500-2,200



## ---------- 450-1,100 500-2,200 250-550 250-1,100 500-2,200 250-550 250-1 '100 500-2,200 250-550 250-1,100 500-2,200

## 250-1,10~ 1,500-8,200 2,500-11,000 250-1,I00 I,500-8,200 2,500-11 ,000 250-1,100 I,500-8,200 2,500-11 ,000 250-1,100 I,500-8,200 2,500-11,000

____..,________ 1,500-8,200 2,500-11,000 250-1,100 I,500-8,200 2,500-11 ,000 250-1,100 1,500-8,200 2,500-11,000 250-1'100 I,500-8,200 2,500-11 ,000

500-5,500 5,000-16,200 7,500-22,000 500-5,500 5,000-16,200 7,500-22,000 500-5,500 5,000-I6,200 7,500-22,000 500-5,500 5,000-16,200 7,500-22,000

_________... 5,000-16,200 7,500-22,000 500-5,500 5,000-16,200 7,500-22,000 500-5,500 5,000-16,200 7,500-22,000 500-5,500 5,000-I6,200 7,500-22,000

500-32,500 7,500-32,500 I0,000-32,500 500-32,500 7,500-32,500 I0,000-32,500 500-32,500 7,500-32,500 I0,000-32,500 500-32,500 7,500-32,500 I0,000-32,500

_____ ,.____ 7,500-32,500 10,000-32,500 500-32,500 7,500-32,500 I0,000-32,500 500-32,500 7,500-32,500 10,000-32,500 500-32,500 7,500-32,500 I0,000-32,500

CONSULT CONSULT CONSULT 

### C-12 2150.38

D. Business Entity that regularly offers, accepts, or transoorts hazmat

I,000-5,500 I,000-5,500 1,000-5,500 1,000-5,500 1,000-5,500 1,000-5,500 1,000-5,500 1,000-5,500

5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000 5,000-13,000

10,000-32,500 I0,000-32,500 10,000-32,500 10,000-32,500 10,000-32,500 I0,000-32,500 I0,000-32,500 I0,000-32,500

I5,000-32,500 15,000-32,500 15,000-32,500 15,000-32,500 15,000-32,500 15,000-32,500 15,000-32,500 15,000-32,500

CONSULT

### 10/01/07 2150.38

Deliberate Violation 1or LEGAL- Up to LEGAL- Up to LEGAL- Up to LEGAL- Upto othersiz:;nificant 50,000 per offense 50,000 per offense 50,000 per offense 50,000 per offense agz:;ravation category may be category may be category may be category may be**asse~sed** assessed assessed assessed VI. Violation results in CONSULT CONSULT CONSULT CONSULT death1 serious illness1 LEGAL- Up to LEGAL- Up to LEGAL- Up to LEGAL- Up to severe injun: 1 or 100,000 per 100,000 per I00,000 per offense 100,000 may be substantial destruction offense category offense category category may be assessed oforooertv may be assessed may be assessed assessed


### h. *Sanctions applicable to air carrier and commercialoperatorpassengers and 

## '>.., crewmembers. The range for the total civil penalty to be assessed, absent mitigating or 

# -----1-r aggravating factors, is $250 (the statutory minimum) to $1,000.

E. GroupI 

### & II F. GroupIII 

### & IV 

### AIR CARRIERAND OTHERAIRCRAFT Air Carriers and AirCarriers and 

### OPERATORVIOLATIONS OtherAircraft OtherAircraft



# . Operators Operators Failure to comply with Parts 171, 172, or 173 Use mainMatrix. Use main Matrix. requirements ofthe HMRas an offeror ofhazrnat. Improper acceptance ofhazmat for air transportation. (i.e., quantity, labeling, marking, packaging, and 5,000-32,500 2,500-16,200 shipping papers)

See 49 C.F.R. §§ 

### 175.30(a)(l)- (4) Failure to inspect hazmat shipment properly. 10,000-32,500 5,000-16,200

See 49 C.F.R. §§ 

### 175.30(b), (c), (d), (e) Improper storage/securing ofhazmat aboard aircraft. 10,000-32,500 5,000-16,200 Failure to providehazmat training, maintain records of 10,000-32,500 5,000-16,200 training, ormeet minimumrequirements for hazmat training (49 C.F.R.). Using untrained/improperly trained hazmatpersonnel, 10,000-32,500 5,000-16,200 failure to retain hazmat training records (49 C.F.R.) Failure to notify FAA properly ofincident/discrepancies 5,000-16,200 1,000-5,500 inhazmat shipment. Failure to provide notice to the pilot-in-command. 5,000-16,200 1,000-5,500 Other Part 175 violations. 5,000-16,200 1,000-5,500 Intentional, deliberate, or other significantly aggravated CONSULT CONSULT LEGAL violation. LEGAL- Up to

- Upto 50,000 per 50,000 per offense category offense category may be assessed may be assessed Violation results in death, serious illness, severe injury, or CONSULT CONSULT LEGAL substantial destruction ofproperty. LEGAL- Up to

- Up to 100,000per 100,000 per offense category offense category may be assessed may be assessed

C-13