Questions being asked about MSU's use of state-owned planes

The federal inquiry comes less than a month after a Lansing State Journal series on the taxpayer-funded planes, which focused on how the aircraft are used and who uses them. Officials from the FAA, the Michigan Department of Transportation and MSU confirmed a preliminary probe is under way by the federal agency’s branch office in Grand Rapids. The initial review could trigger a formal investigation by the FAA. MDOT and MSU officials said the review relates to the university’s use of the state-owned planes by top athletic officials for recruiting trips.MDOT spokesman Jeff Cranson said the FAA is seeking financial documents such as billing, invoices and proof of payments, including “receipt and check-stub copies from MSU.”