WASHINGTON (AP) -- RegionsAir is suing the U.S. government, alleging the commuter airline illegally was forced to shut down in a dispute over pilot training and certification procedures.

RegionsAir filed the lawsuit yesterday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., seeking $11.6 million plus interest.

RegionsAir grounded its planes in March after the Federal Aviation Administration questioned the air carrier's line check airman certification and training program.

In its lawsuit, RegionsAir contends U.S. Senator Dick Durbin lobbied for the shutdown. The Illinois Democrat is mentioned in the lawsuit's narrative but isn't formally named as a defendant.

A Durbin spokesman referred questions today about the lawsuit to the agency that litigates lawsuits involving U.S. senators. Messages left there weren't returned.

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