So much for the complaint "...the FAA is getting too chummy with the airlines...".
I would love to see the Probable Cause Statement in the Search Warrant Affadavit where the FAA had to set forth the information used to convince a Federal Judge or Magistrate to issue the warrant.
That Problable Cause has to be set forth within the four corners of the Affadavit and must be in some detail to be valid.
If only minor discrepancies were found on all of the prior inspections.....and there is no "inside" source to point out the evidence trail....it would appear the FAA will be batting a sticky wicket in court.
Also.....pray tell why the FAA could not have shown up during business hours and politely knocked on the door and announce service of the search warrant?
I can understand the assistance of the Sheriff's Office (almost anyway!) but a forced entry and use of a SWAT Team....now that fails to pass the smell test!
It will be interesting waiting for the proverbial fat gal to sing!