(a) A person may not use an aircraft in air commerce before obtaining an annual certificate of compliance for that aircraft from the department. The department may issue a certificate of compliance for one aircraft or a fleet of two or more aircraft. The department shall issue or renew a certificate of compliance upon application and presentation of
(1) proof of financial responsibility required under AS 02.40.010;
(2) proof of compliance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, and, where applicable, federal certification for scheduled airline service.
(b) The annual fee for a certificate of compliance for one aircraft and for a fleet of two or more aircraft shall be set by the department by regulation. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date issued. The certificate shall be visible to boarding passengers.
(c) The department may authorize department personnel to enforce this section and may adopt procedural regulations necessary to implement this section. Upon finding a violation the department may issue a stop use order.
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000.