Travel Tips

FAA Cites United, US Airways with Safety Violations


Locations in this article:  Dallas, TX Denver, CO

FAA logoThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to hit United Airlines and US Airways with multi-million dollar fines for violating safety procedures.

The FAA has proposed a $3.8 million penalty against United for allegedly flying a Boeing 737 on more than 200 trips after violating the carrier’s own maintenance policies.

In April of 2008, the aircraft in question returned to Denver after having to shut down an engine due to low oil pressure warnings.

After inspecting the plane, United mechanics discovered that two shop towels, instead of the mandatory protective caps, had been used to cover openings in the oil sump area during its last maintenance in December of 2007.

As a result, between February and April of 2008, the aircraft operated on more than 200 flights in a dangerous, “non-airworthy” condition.

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US Airways planeMeanwhile, the FAA plans to fine US Airways for failing to comply with variety of safety regulations.

The carrier reportedly operated eight aircraft on 1,647 flights from October 2008 to January 2009 that violated maintenance practices and other safety directives.

US Airways has stated that they have collaborated with the FAA to review their maintenance procedures and plan to cooperate during the penalty negotiations and all future inspections.

United Airlines has yet to respond to the FAA.

By Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com.

Related Links: FAA, MSNBC, Dallas Morning News, FAA

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