The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration today proposed to fine American Airlines $787,000 for three maintenance-related infractions that occurred in the past two years.
FAA is proposing a $625,000 civil penalty for American's delay in fixing computer systems in a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 that operated 10 passenger flights in April 2008. "During this time, flight crews were led to believe that both computers were working properly," FAA said.
FAA also is seeking $75,000 for the operation of four Boeing 757s on which "American failed to correctly follow an Airworthiness Directive involving the inspection of rudder components," FAA said, noting that after American was made aware of those problems and agreed to cease flying the planes, two of the aircraft went on to operate three flights.
In the final case, FAA plans to charge American $87,500 for failure to complete required maintenance checks on an MD-82 aircraft prior to returning it to service. "The aircraft was operated on two passenger flights with the logbook error," FAA said, noting an inspection "revealed several discrepancies in the tail section, including loose screws, a missing nut plate and a right hand elevator torque tube binding and making noise."
FAA said American would have 30 days to respond to the charges after it receives the formal penalty letter.