ToddC . Emerson , #817 5

44 4 Sout h Rive r Roa d St . George , Utah , 8479 0 Telephone : (435 ) 634-353 0 Facsimile : (435 ) 634-350 5 Email : temerson@skywest.co m

- an d- Michae l L . Dworki n #6404 7 46 5 Californi aStreet , Suit e 21 0 Sa n Francisco , Californi a9410 4 Telephone : (415 ) 421-0250 0 Facsimile : (415)421-256 0 Email : law@avialex.co m Attorney s for

Sk y Wes t Airlines , Inc . 

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I n th e Matte r

of :

Sk y Wes t Airlines , Inc . FA A Cas e Nos . 2011NM06003 3 SKYWES T AIRLINES , INC.' S RESPONS E T O COMPLAINANT' S INITIA L DISCOVER Y REQUES T Judge : Th e Honorabl e Richar dC . Goodwi n SKYWES T AIRLINES , INC . (hereinafte r referre dt o a s "SKYWEST") , by an d throug h it s undersigne dcounsel , object s an dresponds t o Complainant' s Initia l Discovery Request s i

n 2011NM060033 , date dSeptembe r 20 , 2011 .INTRODUCTIO N AN D GENERA L OBJECTION S

Thi s matte r

arise s ou t

Sk y Wes t Airlines ' weigh t

an dbalanc e operation s an dpractice s o n on e flight whic h too k

plac e o n February 11,2011 , Fligh t 4451 . Complainan t

propose s assessin g apenalty o f $33,000.0 0 for

allege dviolation s o f

FAR' s 119.5(g) , 119.5(1) , 121.693(a) , 121.693(c ) an d121.693(d) . Specifically , Complainan t ha s allege dthat

SKYWEST : 1 . Operate da s adirec t

ai r carrie r i n violatio n o f

a n appropriat e operation s specification ; 2 . Operate daircraf

t unde r Part 12 1 i n violatio n o f

it s operation s specifications ; 3 . Operate dflight s withou t aloadmanifes t

that accuratel y reflecte dth e weigh t o f th e carg o an dbaggage ; 4 . Operate dflight s whe n th e tota l weigh t o f th e aircraf

t was no t compute dunde r approve dprocedures ; an d 5 . Operate dflight s whe n th e aircraf t wer e no t loade daccordin g t o a

n approve d schedule . Considerin g that

Sk y West , i n it s Answer , ha s admitte dth e majorit y o f th e factual allegation s containe di n th e Complaint s an dha s averre dthat th e baggag e miscount s wer e th e produc t o f simpl e huma n arithmeti c error . Complainant' s Discovery appear s t o b e excessive , an d SKYWES T object s o n th e ground s that it i s compound , complex , overl y broa dan dundul y burdensome ; i t

transcend s th e bound s o f reasonabl e discovery ; an di n man y instances , i t seek s informatio n whic h i s alread y withi n Complainant' s knowledge , care , custod y an dcontrol . Complainant' s discovery appear s t o hav e bee n crafte dles s b y agenuin e nee dfo r relevan t

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 Sk y West' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2an dprobativ e information , bu t rather , t o bludgeo n SKYWES T int o settlin g thes e cases . Complainant' s statutory obligatio n i s t o determine , prio r t o initiatin g enforcemen t action , that suc h actio n i s warranted. Complainan t shoul dno t

b e fre e t o initiat e a

n enforcemen t

action , an d then , i f challenged , us e discovery a s asubstitut e for th e investigatio n tha t

shoul dhav e already bee n completed . It shoul db e understoo dtha t SKYWEST' s investigatio n i s ongoin g an dcontinuin g an d SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o supplemen t

o r amen dthes e Response s a s it s investigatio n proceed s up throug h th e tim e o f hearing . Accordingly , thes e Response s shoul db e considere d tentativ e a

t best . Finally , SKYWEST , i n it s Answe r an dAffirmativ e Defense s ("Answer" ) date dAugus t 18 , 2011 , an di n it s Firs t

Amende dAnswe r

an dAffirmativ e Defenses , filedconcurrentl y wit h thi s Discovery Respons e o n Octobe r 11 , 2011 , ha s asserte dnumerou s affirmativ e defense s an d reserve s th e righ t

t o assert additionall y affirmativ e defense s a s the y arise . Notwithstandin g any respons e o r

admissio n containe dherein , SKYWES T reassert s eac h an devery affirmativ e defens e containe din it s Answer , whic h SKYWES T incorporate s herei n b y thi s referenc e a s i f full y set fort h herein . INTERROGATORIE S Th e objection s set

fort h abov e are hereb y incorporate dherei n i n thei r entirety . Notwithstandin g thes e objections , SKYWEST , base do n it s informatio n an dbelief , respond s t o th e Interrogatorie s a s follows :

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3

Sk y West' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 3Interrogatory No . 1 : Identif y b y name , addres s an dtelephon e numbe r al l persons who myo u kno w t o hav e persona l knowledg e o f th e matter s allege din th e Complaint . SKYWEST' s RESPONS E T O INTERROGATOR Y NO . 1 Objection . T o th e exten t

that th e Interrogatory seek s th e names , addresse s an dtelephon e number s o f

"al l person s who myo u kno w t o hav e persona l knowledg e o f th e matter s allege di n th e Complaint" : sai dInterrogatory i s overbroa dan dundul y burdensome . Moreover , t o th e exten t that thi s o r any Interrogatory propounde db y Complainan t i n thi s matte r

contemplate s any person' s hom e addres s o r telephon e numbe r

bein g provided , objectio n i s mad e o n th e ground s that any suc h disclosur e woul db e agros s invasio n o f persona l privacy , particularl y i n vie w o f th e fac t that thes e Response s may eventuall y becom e part o f th e publi c recor do r

docke t i n thi s matter . Withou t

waivin g sai dobjections , individual s know n t o SKYWES T (othe r than SKYWEST' s legal counsel ) that hav e knowledg e o f

th e matter s allege din th e Complain t are : 1 . Al l individual s name do r otherwis e identifie di n th e Complainant' s Enforcemen t Investigativ e Report(s)(hereinafter , "EIR's") ; 2 . Carl Salamone , Sk

y Wes t Pilo t - Fligh t Operations ; 3 . Dav e W . Faddis , Sk

y Wes t Managin g Directo r

o f Safety ; 4 . Elain e Wolff

, SkyWes t

Regiona l Performanc e Manager ; 5 . Magg i Aiken , SkyWes t Directo r o f Custome r

Servic e Training ; 6 . Jeremy Barkley , SkyWes t Directo r o f Safet y Evaluatio n an dSecurity ; 7 . Jame s K . Boyd , SkyWes t Vic e Presiden t

-Custome r

Service ;

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 48 . Brett Whitelaw , SkyWes t

Auditor ; 9 . Christophe r

Gross , SkyWes t

Auditor ; 10 . Inok e Katoa , SL C Ramp Agent ; 1 I.Steve n Allen , FAA ASI ; 12 . Noa l Johnston , FA A ASI ; 13 . Jame s McKenna , FA A AS I SKYWEST' s investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t

t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Wit h th e exceptio n o f

Inok e Katoa , Noa l Johnston , Jame s McKerm aan dSteve n Allen , th e foregoin g individual s are curren t SKYWES T employee s an dcan b e contacte dthroug h SKYWEST' s counsel . Interrogatory No . 2 : Identif y b y title , date , author , presen t custodian , an dcontent , al l documents , includin g correspondence , obtaine db y yo u o r i n you r possession , relatin g t o th e assertion s i n th e Complaint , you r appeal , you r answer , an dany affirmativ e defense s whic h yo u anticipat e raisin g in thi s matter . Se e Reques t

for Productio n No . 1 . SKYWEST' s Response : T o th e exten t

that th e Interrogatory seek s "documents , includin g correspondence.. . relatin g t o th e assertion s i n th e Complaint , you r appeal , you r

answer , an dany affirmativ e

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 5

# r s

defense s whic h yo u anticipat e raisin g i n thi s matter " objectio n i s mad e o n th e followin g grounds: a . Correspondenc e betwee n SKYWES T an dit s undersigne dcounse l i s protecte d unde r th e attorney-clien t

privileg e an dwil l no t

b e produced ; b . Th e term s "documents , includin g correspondence , relatin g t o th e assertion s in th e Complaint , you r

appeal , you r

answer , an dany affirmativ e defense s whic h yo u anticipat e raisin g i n thi s matter " ar e overbroa dan dundul y burdensome , vague , ambiguou s an duncertain ; an d c . T o th e exten t

that any o f th e document s sough t

t o b e identifie dand/o r

produce d are i n Complainant' s care , custod y o r control , o r

hav e bee n originate dby Complainant , objectio n i s mad e a s suc h document s are alread y withi n Complainant' s knowledge . Withou t waivin g th e foregoin g objections , th e followin g document s ar e i n th e possessio n o f SKYWES T and/o r

hav e bee n obtaine dby SKYWEST' s undersigne dcounsel : 1 . Al l document s o r

othe r material s an dwriting s containe di n th e releasabl e portion s o f Complainant' s EIR s including , bu t no t limite dt o th e Item s o f

Proo f whic h are mad e a part o f sai dEIR's ; 2 . SKYWEST' s counsel' s note s an dmemoranda , protecte dunde r th e attorney-clien t privileg e an dattorne y wor k produc t doctrine ; 3 . SkyWes t

Weigh t an dBalanc e Operation s Manual StandardPractic e 4100 ; 4 . Advisory Circular

120-27E ; 5 . Operatio n Specificatio n A098 ; 6 . SkyWes t

Weigh t an dBalanc e Program ; 7 . CLR' s for

th e flight s i n question ;

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 68 . LoadManifest s fo r th e flights i n question ; 9 . Dispatc h Release s for th e flights i n question ; 10 . FA A AS I statement s an dreports ; 11 . SkyWest' s response s t o letter s o f investigation ; 12 . SkyWes t

Custome r

Servic e Trainin g Bulleti n 2010-14 , Designate dLoadin g Agen t Responsibilities ; 13 . SkyWes t

Custome r

Servic e Trainin g Bulleti n 2011-04 , [UPDATED ] Aircraf t Loadin g Procedures ; 14 . Update daircraf

t loadin g procedure s t o b e incorporate dint o Statio n Operation s Manual S P 550 0 i n Revisio n 18 ; 15 . Variou s Interna l Procedur e Evaluations/Audits ; 16 . FA A Orde r

2150.3B ; 17 . SkyWes t

Airline s Weigh t

an dBalanc e Analysi s prepare db y Carl Salamone ; an d 18 . Bombardie r

CR J Weigh t an dBalanc e Manuals , 01-00-60 , for th e subjec t

aircraft . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Finally , SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o utiliz e a

t hearin g any documen t

no t liste dabov e fo

r purpose s o f impeachment . Interrogator

/ No . 3 : Identif

y b y name , addres s an dtelephon e number , al l persons who myo u

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 7inten dt o hav e testif y a s afactua

l o r expert witnes s i n you r

defens e a

t th e hearing i n thi s matter , an dfor factual witnesses , provid e adetaile d summary o f

eac h person' s anticipate dtestimony . SKYWEST' s Response : A t thi s poin t i n time , SKYWES T contemplate s callin g thos e person s who mSKYWES T ha s identifie di n it s Respons e t o Interrogatory N o 1 above . Summarie s o f thei r respectiv e testimonie s are set

fort h below : 1 . Carl Salamone , SkyWes t Pilo t - Fligh t Operations . Mr . Salamon e wil l testif y a s a n expert a s t o th e procedur e involve dwith hi s creatin g th e SkyWes t Weigh t an dBalanc e Analysi s fo r th e subjec t

flights an dfinding s an dopinion s containe dtherein , including , bu t no t limite dt o th e fac t

that th e baggag e coun t

discrepancie s di dnot , i n any way , affec t o r hampe r aircraf t weigh t an dbalance , performanc e o r safety . 2 . Dav e Faddis , SkyWes t Managin g Directo r

o f Safety . Mr . Faddi s wil l testif y a s t o th e formal respons e an dinterna l investigatio n initiate dupo n receivin g th e subjec t LO I (date d February 23 , 2011 , fromNoa l J . Johnston , POI , regardin g flight 445 1 o n February 15 , 2011) . 3 . Elain e Wolff

, SkyWes t

Regiona l Performanc e Manager . Ms . Wolf f wil l testif

y a s t o her internal investigatio n o f

th e FAA' s voice dconcern ove r weigh t an dbalanc e issues . 4 . Magg i Aiken , SkyWes t Directo r o f Custome r

Servic e Training . Ms . Aike n wil l testif y a s t o her communication s with th e FA A an dhe r Marc h 9 , 201 1 respons e t o PO I Noa l

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 8Johnston' s February 23 , 201 1 LOI . Ms . Aike n wil l testif y a s t o th e implementatio n o f a n initiativ e t o ensur e al l SKYWES T station s are physicall y staffe dt o allo w on e agen t t o directl y accoun t

for th e aircraf

t loadin g proces s o n eac h SKYWES T flight. Loadin g agen t oversigh t i n thi s initiativ e include s ensurin g accurat e physica l baggag e counts , carg o weights , an dweigh t

an dbalanc e communicatio n wit h th e flight

dec k crew ; 5 . Jeremy Barkley , SkyWes t Directo r o f Safet y Evaluatio n an dSecurity . Mr . Barkle y wil l testif y a s t o hi s communication s with Joh n Linginfelte r i n bein g proactiv e i n investigatin g th e discrepancie s an davoidin g future mishaps . 6 . Shaw n Johnson , Regiona l Elit e Airlin e Service s Statio n Manager . Mr . Johnso n wil l testif y a s t o hi s interna l investigatio n resultin g fromPO I Noa l Johnston' s February 23 , 201 0 LO I int o flight

455 1 o n February 15 , 2011 . 7 . Jame s K . Boyd , SkyWes t Vice-Presiden t

-Custome r

Service . Mr . Boy dwil l testif y a s t o hi s implementatio n o f

a n initiativ e t o ensur e al l SKYWES T station s are physicall y staffe d t o allo w on e agen t

t o directl y accoun t

for th e aircraf

t loadin g proces s o n eac h SKYWES T flight. Loadin g agen t

oversigh t i n thi s initiativ e include s ensurin g accurat e physica l baggag e counts , carg o weights , an dweigh t an dbalanc e communicatio n wit h th e flight dec k crew . Mr . Boy dwil l additionall y testif y concernin g correctiv e action s take n b y SKYWEST , including , bu t no t limite dt o CS T Bulleti n 2010-4 ; 8 . Inoke Katoa , SL C Ramp Agent . Inoke Kato awil l testif y a s t o th e offloadin g proces s i n general , an dspecifically , o f FUgh t 445 1 o n February 15 , 2011 . 9 . Brett Whitela w an dChristophe r Gross , SkyWes t

Auditors . Messrs . Whitela w an dGros s

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 9wil l testif y a s t o SKYWEST' s interna l auditin g o f Ramp Agent s t o confir

mcomplianc e with SKYWEST' s require dloadin g an dunloadin g procedures ; 10 . Variou s FA A personne l wil l b e calle dt o testif y a s t o thei r

involvemen t

in th e investigation , including , bu t no t limite dt o Steve n Allen , FA A ASI ; Noa l Johnston , FA A POI ; Jame s McKenna , FA A ASI . In addition , SKYWES T may cal l representative(s ) o f Bombardier , th e aircraf

t manufacturer , wh o wil l testif y that th e allege dbaggag e coun t discrepancie s di dno t

i n any wa

y affec t o r hampe r aircraf t weigh t an dbalance , CG , aircraf

t performanc e and/o r

thos e computation s containe di n th e dispatc h releases , an dflight plans . SKYWES T further

reserve s th e righ t

t o cal l a s it s witnesse s any persons identifie di n Complainant' s EIR's , an y persons no w o r hereinafte r

identifie db y Complainan t a s it s witnesse s an dany person s wh o ma

y b e calle dt o testif

y b y Complainan t

i n thi s matter . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Interrogatory No . 4 : Identif y b y title , date , author , presen t custodian , an dcontent , al l document s whic h yo u anticipat e offerin g int o evidenc e at th e hearin g i n thi s matter , an dthroug h whic h witnes s o r witnesses . Se e Reques t

fo r Productio n No . 2 .

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 0SKYWEST' s Response :

Pleas e se e SKYWEST' s respons e t o Interrogatory No . 2 above , whic h SKYWES T adopt s an dincorporate s a s apartia l respons e t o Interrogatory No . 4 . A s o f th e dat e o f

thi s response , SKYWES T anticipate s tha t th e followin g document s wil l b e offere dint o evidenc e throug h th e witnesse s identifie dbelow :

Documen t

Title : Advisory Circular

120-27 E Author : Th e Federa l Aviatio n Administratio n Date : Curren t Custodian : Publi c Recor d Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d Documen t Title : SkyWes t

Weigh t an d Balanc e Progra m Author : SKYWES T Date : Curren t Custodians : FA A an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d

Documen t

Title : Operatio n Specificatio n A09 8 Author : SkyWes t

Airlines , Inc . Date : Curren t Custodians : FA A an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d Documen t Title : CLR' s fo

r th e flights in questio n Author : SKYWES T Date : A s depicte di n Complainant' s EIR Custodians : FA A an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : A s ye t undetermine d

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 1Documen t

Title : Loa dManifest s for th e flights i n questio n Author : SKYWES T Date : A s depicte di n Complainant' s EI R Custodians : FA A an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d Documen t Title : SkyWest' s response s t o letter s o f investigatio n Author : SKYWES T Date : A s depicte di n Complainant' s EI R Custodians : FA A an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : Magg i Aike n

Documen t

Title : FA A AS I statement s an d report s Author : A s depicte di n Complainant' s EI R Date : A s depicte di n Complainant' s EI R Custodians : FA A an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d

Documen t

Title : Dispatc h Release s for th e flights i n questio n Author : Date : A s depicte di n Complainant' s EI R Custodians : FAA an dSKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d Documen t Title : SkyWes t

Custome r

Servic e Trainin g Bulleti n 2010-14 , Designate d Loadin g Agen t

Responsibilitie s Author : SKYWES T Date : Novembe r

9 , 201 0 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : Magg i Aike n an d Jame s Boy d

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 2

# r s

Documen t

Title : SkyWes t

Custome r

Servic e Trainin g Bulleti n 2010-04 , [UPDATED ] Aircraf t Loadin g Procedure s Author : SKYWES T Date : Apri l 7 , 201 1 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: Magg i Aike n an d Jame s Boy d

Documen t

Title : SkyWes t

Airline s Internal Evaluatio n - Loa dAudi t

Report Author : Brett

Whitela w Date : Jun e 1,201 1 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d

Documen t

Title : FA A Orde r

2150.3 B Author : Federal Aviatio n Administratio n Date : Current . Custodian : Publi c Recor d Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d Documen t Title : Update daircraf

t loadin g procedure s t o b e incorporate dint o Statio n Operation s Manual S P 550 0 i n Revisio n 1 8 Author : SKYWES T Date : T o b e incorporate dint o Statio n Manua l S P 550 0 Revisio n 1 8 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : Magg i Aike n an d Jame s Boy d

Documen t

Title : SkyWes t

Airline s Internal Evaluatio n - Loa dAudi t

Report Author : Christophe r

Gros s Date : Augus t

5 , 201 1 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : A s ye t undetermine d

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 3Documen t

Title : SkyWes t

Airline s Interna l Evaluatio n - Loa dAudi t

Report Author : Bret

t Whitela w Date : Augus t

12,201 1 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : A s ye t undetermine d

Documen t

Title : SkyWes t

Airline s Weigh t an dBalanc e Analysi s Author : Carl Salamon e Date : Septembe r

15,201 1 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness : Carl Salamon e Documen t

Title : Bombardie r

CR J 20 0 Weigh t an dBalanc e Manual 01-00-60 , Apri l 28 , 199 9 Author : Bombardie r Date : Apri l 28 , 199 9 Custodian : SKYWES T Sponsorin g Witness: A s ye t undetermine d

I n addition , SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o utiliz e a

t hearin g any documents , records , informatio n o r

material s containe di n Complainant' s EIR , o r any documents , records , informatio n o r

material s introduce dint o evidence , o r sough t t o b e introduce dint o evidence , by Complainant . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Finally , SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o utiliz e a

t hearin g any documen t

no t liste dabov e fo r purpose s o f

impeachment . FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 4

# r s

Interrogator v No . 5 : Wit h respec t t o eac h expert

witnes s identifie di n respons e t o Interrogatory No . 3 , specif

y thei r specifi c are ao f

expertise , an dprovid e asynopsi s o f thei r credentials , background , trainin g an dexperience . SKYWEST' s Response : SKYWES T wil l cal l Firs t Officer Carl Salamone . Pleas e se e th e attache dProductio n o f Document s fo

r Mr . Salamone' s curriculu mvitae . SKYWES T wil l cal l Mr . Jeremy Barkley , SkyWes t Directo r o f Safet y Evaluatio n an d Security . Hi s curriculu mvita e wil l b e forthcomin g unde r separat e cover . I n addition , SKYWES T ma y cal l representative(s ) o f Bombardier , th e aircraf

t manufacturer , wh o wil l testif y that th e allege dbaggag e coun t discrepancie s di dno t

in any wa

y affec t o r hampe r aircraf t weigh t an dbalance , CG , aircraf

t performanc e and/o r

thos e computation s containe di n th e dispatc h releases , an dflight plans . In addition , SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o cal l a s expert

witnesse s a

t hearin g (i ) an

y person s identifie di n Complainant' s EIR , includin g bu t no t limite dt o th e evidentiary portio n o f sai dReport , (ii ) any perso n wh o ma y b e calle db y Complainan t t o testif y a s a n expert , (iii ) an

y perso n wh o ma

y testif y a t th e hearin g a s a

n expert o n behal f

o f Complainant , (iv ) any perso n calle dt o testif

y by , o r wh o ma y testif y a s expert

a t th e reques t

o r orde r o f th e Administrativ e Law Judge , an d(v ) fo

r purpose s o f

impeachment , any othe r

person s no t

identifie dabove . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 5

# r %

righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s up throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Interrogatory No . 6 : Wit h respec t t o eac h expert

yo u expec t

t o cal l a s awitness , state th e subjec t matte r o n whic h th e expert

i s expecte dt o testify , stat e th e substanc e o f

th e fact s an dopinion s t o whic h th e expert i s expecte dt o testify , an dprovid e summary o f th e ground s for

eac h suc h opinion . SKYWEST' s Response : Mr . Carl Salamon e wil l testif y a s t o th e weigh t

an dbalanc e analysi s o f

th e subjec t

flights base dupo n environmenta l condition s o n th e date s o f flight, manufacture r

calculate doperatin g envelope s for

subjec t aircraf t (Bombardie r

Weigh t an dBalanc e Manuals) , aircraf t takeof f weight , aircraf

t takeof f cente r o f gravity , aircraf

t climb performanc e an dmaximu moperatin g altitude . Mr . Jeremy Barkle y wil l testif y a s t o SKYWEST' s proactiv e investigatio n o f allege d violation s an dstep s take n t o avoi ddiscrepancie s an dfuture mishaps . In addition , SKYWES T ma y cal l representative(s ) o f Bombardier , th e aircraf

t manufacturer , wh o wil l testif y that th e allege dbaggag e coun t discrepancie s di dno t

i n any wa

y affec t o r hampe r aircraf t weigh t an dbalance , CG , aircraf

t performanc e and/o r

thos e computation s containe di n th e dispatc h releases , an dflight plans . In additio n t o th e persons identifie dabov e i n thi s Response , SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o cal l a s expert

witnesse s a

t hearin g (i ) any persons identifie di n Complainant' s EIR , FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 6includin g bu t no t limite dt o th e evidentiary file o f sai dReport , (ii ) any perso n wh o ma y b e calle d b y Complainan t

t o testif y a s a n expert , (iii ) any perso n wh o ma y testif y a t th e hearin g a s a

n expert o n behal f

o f Complainant , (iv ) any perso n calle dt o testif y by , o r wh o ma y testif y a s expert a t th e reques t

o r orde r o f th e Administrativ e La w Judge , an d(v ) for purpose s o f impeachment , any othe r

persons no t

identifie dabove . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Interrogatory No . 7 : Describ e with specificity al l o f th e fact s whic h yo u anticipat e presentin g i n th e cours e o f

th e hearin g i n thi s matte r pertainin g t o th e avoidanc e o r mitigatio n o f

th e sanctio n sough t

b y th e FA A i n thi s case . SKYWEST' s Response : Objectio n i s mad e t o Interrogatory No . 7 t o th e exten t tha t it seek s privilege dan dconfidential informatio n whic h i s protecte dby th e attorney-clien t privileg e an dattorne y work-produc t doctrine . T o th e exten t

tha t Interrogatory No . 7 seek s informatio n whic h i s no t otherwis e privileged , objectio n i s mad e o n th e ground s that it i s prematur e a s th e partie s are onl y in th e pleadin g an ddiscovery phase s o f th e proceedin g an dth e hearing i s stil l severa l week s away . Withou t waivin g sai dobjections , th e matter s allege di n th e complain t hav e bee n th e subjec t o f extensiv e investigatio n an dnumerou s conversation s withi n SKYWEST' s organization , an da s reflecte di n th e document s produce dherein , wer e als o th e subjec t o f conversation s an d

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 7communication s betwee n SKYWES T an dRegiona l Elit e Airlin e Services .

SKYWES T intend s o n presentin g th e followin g fact s i n th e cours e o f th e hearin g i n thi s matte r pertainin g t o th e avoidanc e o r mitigatio n o f

th e sanctio n sough t

b y th e FA A i n thi s case : 1 . SKYWES T ha s take n al l necessary correctiv e action s t o avoi drepeate dmishap s suc h that additiona l penalties are redundan t an dwil l no t

resul t i n any increas e i n safety . Specifically , 2 . SKYWES T has : a ) Counsele dal l personne l involve di n th e loadin g an dcountin g o f th e bag s followin g eac h o f th e allege dincidents ; b ) Issue dSKYWES T Custome r Servic e Trainin g Bulleti n 2010-14 , Designate dLoadin g Agen t Responsibilities , directe dat providin g additiona l trainin g i n avoidin g ba g coun t discrepancies ; c ) Issue dSKYWES T Custome r Servic e Trainin g Bulleti n 2010-04 , Aircraf t Loadin g Procedures , directe dat

providin g additiona l trainin g i n avoidin g ba g coun t discrepancies ; d ) Update dan drevise dth e aircraf t loadin g procedure s se t

fort h i n it s Statio n Operation s Manua l S P 550 0 t o specificall y addres s sai dproblem s an densur e futur e compliance ; e ) Implemente dinitiative s t o ensur e al l station s are physicall y staffe dt o allo w on e agen t t o directl y accoun t

for th e aircraf

t loadin g proces s o n eac h SKYWES T flight, t o ensur e accurat e physica l baggag e counts , carg o weights , an dweigh t an dbalanc e communicatio n wit h flight dec k crews ; f ) Performe dinterna l evaluation s o f carg o loadreportin g an ddetermine dthat complianc e ha dbee n achieved . FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 83 . Th e sanctio n sough t by Complainan t

i s unwarrante db y th e facts , safet y in commerc e an d th e publi c interes t

an di s no t

onl y excessive , but , fa

r exceed s policy , preceden t an d Complainant' s ow n Sanctio n Guidanc e Table . Further , th e sanctio n i s compounded , i n violatio n o f th e Complainant' s ow n Sanctio n Guidanc e Table . 4 . Th e Complainant' s case , i s unwarrante dan dwithou t basi s o r jurisdictio n i n law o r

fact . 5 . Th e averag e weigh t program s contemplate dby AC120-27 E flilly contemplat e that th e us e o f actua l baggag e an dpassenge r weight s are impractical , an db y thei r ver y nature , permi t

some discrepancie s betwee n what i s containe di n th e loadmanifes t an dth e actual weigh t

o f th e aircraft . 6 . An y an dal l discrepancie s upo n whic h thes e action s are base dare th e produc t o f simpl e human arithmeti c erro r

an di n n o wa

y are indicativ e o f

SKYWEST' s regulatory complianc e dispositio n a s al l relevan t employee s wer e adequatel y traine dan dqualifie dan dhav e sinc e receive dadditiona l trainin g an dinterna l audit s hav e show n adequat e complianc e level s ha s bee n reached . 7 . Notwithstandin g any discrepancie s i n th e ba g count s containe di n th e CLR's , any weigh t discrepanc y wa s nominal , a t bes t an dha dabsolutel y n o effec t o n aircraf

t weigh t an dbalance , CG , aircraf

t performanc e o r

aircraf t performanc e computations ; Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Interrogatory No . 8 : Stat e b y name , address , telephon e number , dat e o f conversation , an d

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 1 9substanc e o f conversation , al l persons , othe r tha n legal counse l o r

you r spouse , with who myo u hav e discusse dth e matter s allege di n th e Complaint . SKYWEST' s Response : SKYWES T object s t o Interrogatory No . 8 o n th e ground s tha t it i s undul y burdensome , servin g n o othe r

purpos e tha n t o inconvenience , o r for that matter , bludgeo n SKYWEST . Moreover , th e Interrogatory , a s propounded , seek s informatio n tha t woul dotherwis e b e protecte d unde r th e attorney-clien t

privilege , attorne y work-produc t doctrin e an dcritica l self-examinatio n privilege . Withou t

waivin g sai dobjection , a s SKYWEST' s LO I response s clearl y indicate , SKYWEST , throug h it s managemen t an demployees , fully investigate deac h an dever y on e o f th e allege ddiscrepancies , verifie dthat al l persons involve dha dbee n adequatel y trained , counsele dsuc h persons an dprovide dremedia l trainin g an dafter engagin g i n aful

l deliberativ e proces s an dinterna l evaluation s an daudit s too k othe r appropriat e an dresponsiv e correctiv e actions . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s up throug h th e dat e o f hearing .

Interrogatory No . 9 : Fo r

any o f th e request s fo

r admission s belo w that

i s denied , stat e with specificity th e fact s that

are th e basi s fo

r that denial a s wel l a s th e inquirie s

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 0take n t o determin e that th e fact s i n th e reques t

for admissio n are no t correct . Se e Reques t

for Productio n No . 5 . SKYWEST' s Response : SKYWEST' s Response s t o th e Request s fo r Admission s clearl y spea k for themselves . Interrogatory No . 10 : Describ e with specificity al l fact s o r evidenc e yo u inten dt o rel y upo n in support o f any affirmativ e defense s raise di n an y Answe r t o th e Complaint , t o includ e identifyin g th e specifi c FA A polic y yo u clai mi s violate db y th e propose dpenalty i n thes e cases . Se e Reques t fo r Productio n No . 3 . SKYWEST' s Response : Pleas e se e SKYWEST' s Response s t o Interrogatory N o 7 , whic h SKYWES T adopt s an d incorporate s a

t i s response s t o Interrogatory No . 10 , a s i f fully se t fort h herein . In additio n se e FA A A C 120-27 E an dFA A Orde r 2150.3B . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s up throug h th e dat e o f hearing . REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N Th e objection s se t

fort h abov e are hereb y incorporate dherei n i n thei r entirety . FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 1Notwithstandin g thes e objections , SKYWEST , base do n it s informatio n an dbelief , respond s t o th e Request s for

Productio n a s follows : Reques t fo r Productio n No . 1 : Provid e acop y o f al l document s referre dt o in you r answe r t o Interrogatory No . 2

SKYWEST' s Response : Unde r separat e cover , SKYWES T wil l provid e copie s o f al l document s (othe r

than (i ) correspondenc e betwee n SKYWES T an dit s undersigne dcounse l whic h i s protecte dunde r th e attorney-clien t

privileg e an dwil l no t

b e produced , (ii ) SKYWEST' s counsel' s note s an dresearc h whic h i s protecte dunde r

th e attorne y work-produc t doctrin e an dwil l no t

b e produce dan d(iii ) document s whic h are alread y i n Complainant' s care , custod y o r control , and/o r

whic h hav e bee n originate db y Complainant) . Se e SKYWEST' s Productio n o f Document s attache dhereto . Investigatio n an ddiscovery ar e ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s up throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Finally , SKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o utiliz e a

t hearin g any documen t

no t identifie din thes e Objection s an dResponse s t o Reques t for Productio n for

purpose s o f

impeachment . Reques t fo r Productio n No . 2 : Provid e acop y o f al l document s referre dt o in you r answe r t o Interrogatory No . 4 .

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 2/ >

SKYWEST' s Response : Pleas e se e SKYWEST' s Respons e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 1 above , whic h SKYWES T adopt s an dincorporate s a s i f full y se t fort h herei n a s it s Respons e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 2 . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Reques t for Productio n No . 3 : Provid e acop y o f al l document s tha t

support you r answe r t o Interrogatory No . 10 . SKYWEST' s Response : Pleas e se e SKYWEST' s Respons e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 1 above , whic h SKYWES T adopt s an dincorporate s a s i f fully se t fort h herei n a s it s Respons e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 3 . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Reques t for Productio n No . 4 : Provid e acop y o f al l document s that

support you r answe r t o Interrogatory No . 9 . SKYWEST' s Response :

FAA Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3

SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 3Pleas e se e SKYWEST' s Respons e t o Reques t for Producfio n No . 1 above , whic h SKYWES T adopt s an dincorporate s a s i f fully se t fort h herei n a s it s Respons e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 4 . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s up throug h th e dat e o f hearing . Reques t for Productio n No . 5 : Provid e acop y o f al l exhibit s tha t

yo u inten dt o offe

r o r wil l us e durin g th e hearing o n thi s matter . SKYWEST' s Response : Pleas e se e SKYWEST' s Respons e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 1 above , whic h SKYWES T adopt s an dincorporate s a s i f fully se t fort h herei n a s it s Respons e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 5 . Investigatio n an ddiscovery are ongoin g an dcontinuing , an dSKYWES T reserve s th e righ t t o amen dand/o r

supplemen t

thes e response s u p throug h th e dat e o f hearing . REQUES T FO RADMISSION S Th e objection s se t

fort h abov e are hereb y incorporate dherei n i n thei r entirety . Notwithstandin g thes e objections , SKYWEST , base do n it s informatio n an dbelief , respond s t o th e Request s for

Admission s a s follows :

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 4Reques t

for Admissio n No . 1 : Admi t that , for th e 12-mont

h perio dendin g Septembe r 2010 , SkyWes t Airline s ha doperatin g revenue s in exces s o f $10 0 million , a s show n b y th e Airlin e Quarterl y Financia l Revie w (3'^' ' Quarte r 2010 ) publishe db y th e Departmen t o f Transportation , Offic e o f Aviafio n Analysis , Competitio n an dPolic y Analysi s Division . SKYWEST' s Response : Admi t Reques t fo r Admissio n No . 2 : Admi t that , a s o f

Decembe r

31 , 2010 , SkyWes t

Airline s employ s mor e tha n 1,500 employees , a s show n b y SkyWes t Airlines ' 201 0 Annua l Report . SKYWEST' s Response : Admi t Reques t fo r Admissio n No . 3:Admi t

that SkyWes t Airline s ha s th e financial ability to pa y th e $33,00 0 requeste dcivi l penalty i n FA A Cas e No . 2011NM060033 , FDM S No . FAA-2011-0779 .

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 5SKYWEST' s Response :

Admi t Reques t for Admissio n No . 4:Admi t

that SkyWes t Airline s wa s assesse da$24,00 0 civi l penalty o n Marc h 2 , 201 1 i n FA A Cas e No . 2010NM06010 6 fo r violation s o f th e Federal Aviatio n Regulation s (1 4 C.F.R. ) § § 119.5(g) , 119.5(1) , 121.693(a) , 121.693(c) , an d121.693(d) , involvin g improperl y documente dbaggag e loadin g o n tw o aircraf t i n Septembe r

2010 . SKYWEST' s Response : Admi t that th e FA A origina l propose dacivi l penalty i n th e amoun t o f $90,000 , an d SKYWES T settle dth e matter , payin g acivi l penalty o f $24,00 0 Reques t for Admissio n No . 5:Admi t

that SkyWes t Airline s was assesse da$144,00 0 civi l penalty o n Marc h 2 , 201 1 i n FA A Cas e Nos . 2010NM06006 8 & 2010NM06007 6 for

violafion s o f

th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulation s (1 4 C.F.R. ) § § 119.5(g) , 119.5(1) , 121.693(a) , 121.693(c) , an d 121.693(d) , involvin g improperl y documente dbaggag e loadin g o n five aircraf

t i n Apri l an dMay , 2010 .

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 6SKYWEST' s Response :

Admi t that th e FA A originall y propose dacivi l penalty i n th e amoun t o f $220,000 , an d SKYWES T settle dth e matter , payin g acivi l penalty o f $144,000 . Reques t for Admissio n No . 6:Admi t

that SkyWes t Airline s wa s assesse da$45,00 0 civi l penalty o n Marc h 2 , 201 1 i n FA A Cas e Nos . 2010NM06002 0 & 2009NM06012 4 for

violation s o f

th e Federal Aviatio n Regulation s (1 4 C.F.R. ) § § 119.5(g) , 119.5(1) , 121.693(a ) an d121.693(c) , involvin g improperl y documente dbaggag e loadin g o n five aircraf t betwee n Augus t

an dNovembe r

2009 . SKYWEST' s Response : Admi t that SKYWES T ultimatel y pai dacivi l penalty i n th e amoun t o f $45,000 . Reques t fo r Admissio n No . 7 : Admi t that SkyWes t Airline s was assesse da$10,00 0 civi l penalty o n February 16 , 201 1 i n FA A Cas e No . 2010NM06010 0 fo r violation s o f

th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulation s (1 4 C.F.R. ) § § 119.5(g) , 119.5(1) , 121.693(a) , 121.693(c) , an d121.693(d) , involvin g improperl y documente dcarg o loadin g o n on e aircraf t in August , 2010 .

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 7

# r s

SKYWEST' s Response : Admi t that th e FA A originall y propose dacivi l penalty i n th e amoun t o f $20,000 , an d SKYWES T settle dth e matter , payin g acivi l penalty o f $10,000 . Reques t for Admissio n No . 8:Admi t

tha t SkyWes t Airline s wa s assesse da$10,00 0 civi l penalty o n Septembe r

28 , 200 9 i n FA A Cas e No . 2009NM06005 0 fo r violation s o f

th e Federal Aviatio n Regulation s (1 4 C.F.R. ) § § 119.5(g) , 119.5(1) , 121.693(a) , an d121.693(c) , involvin g improperl y documente dbaggag e loadin g o n on e aircraf t o n Marc h 17,2009 . SKYWEST' s Response : Admi t that th e FA A originall y propose dacivi l penalty i n th e amoun t o f $12,000 , an d SKYWES T settle dth e matter , payin g acivi l penalty o f $10,000 . Reques t for Admissio n No . 9 : Admi t tha t SkyWes t Airline s wa s assesse da$ 10,00 0 civi l penalty o n Septembe r

28 , 200 9 i n FA A Cas e No . 2009NM06002 3 for

violafio n o f

th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulation s (1 4 C.F.R. ) § 119.5(g) , involvin g improperl y documente dbaggag e loadin g o n thre e aircraf t i n December , 2008 . FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 8SKYWEST' s Response :

Admi t that th e FA A originall y propose dacivi l penalty i n th e amoun t o f $17,500 , an d SKYWES T settle dth e matter , payin g acivi l penalty o f $10,000 .

it h DATE D thi s 11" " da

y o f October , 2011 .

Co-Counse l fo r SkyWes t Airline s

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 2 9CERTIFICAT E O FSERVIC E

Th e undersigne dhereb y certifie s that o n thi s 11 * da

y o f October , 2011 , atru e an dcorrec t cop y o f th e foregoin g SKYWEST' S RESPONS E T O COMPLAINANT' S INITIA L DISCOVER Y REQUES T was serve da s follows : Th e Honorabl e Richar dC . Goodwi n Offic e o f Hearings , M-2 0 120 0 Ne w Jerse y Avenue , S.E . Eas t Buildin g Groun dFloo r Roo mEl2-32 0 Washington , D.C . 2059 0

{Federa l Express } Federal Aviatio n Administratio n 80 0 Independenc e Avenu e S W Washington , D C 2059 1 Attn : Hearin g Docke t

Clerk , AGC-43 0 Wilbu r Wrigh t Buildin g - Suit e 2W100 0 {Federa l Express } Jeffrey M . Harpe r

Federal Aviatio n Administratio n Northwes t

Mountai n Region , ANM- 7 160 1 Lin dAvenu e S.W . Renton , Washingto n 9805 7 FA X (425 ) 227-100 7



### S G {Ftxcstifnl e an dFedera l Express }



# SUA I d

^ • ^Jc ^ Sheri L . Becke r

FA A Cas e No . 2011NM0600 3 SkyWest' s Objection s an dResponse s t o Complainant' s Discovery Pag e 3 0