American Airlines fined $7.1 million for safety violations

[babylonsister]

American Airlines fined $7.1 million for safety violations


(CNN) -- Federal regulators announced $7.1 million in fines against American Airlines on Thursday over maintenance issues and problems with its drug- and alcohol-testing programs.
American Airlines was fined for allowing aircrafts to fly while they knew they needed repairs.

American Airlines was fined for allowing aircrafts to fly while they knew they needed repairs.

"The FAA believes the large total amount of the fine for these violations is appropriate because American Airlines was aware that appropriate repairs were needed, and instead deferred maintenance," the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement announcing the decision. "In intentionally continuing to fly the aircraft, the carrier did not follow important safety regulations intended to protect passengers and crew."

American can still appeal the fines, the FAA said.

There was no immediate reaction from the Chicago-based carrier to Thursday's announcement.

more...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/08/14/american.airlines.faa/

[Doctor Cynic]

1. Coming soon: a $10 Safety Fine Surcharge.

[DarthDem]

2. Incredible

Good thing Saint Ronnie deregulated those airlines!! It's been downhill ever since.

[Demobrat]

3. Another reason not to fly.

Demeaning security "precautions" that do nothing to make us safer. Delays and cancellations more frequent than actual on-time departures (in my experience, anyway). Employees that treat passengers like annoyances at best at criminals at worst for the cardinal sin of wanting to actually make it to their destinations.... and airplanes that need repair being allowed to fly? That's it. No unnecessary travel for me.

[PermanentRevolution]

4. Oh goody...

I'm flying cross-country on American next Wednesday. Yay!

[marmar]

5. From "Something Special in the Air" to "Fly American....On a Wing and a Prayer".....

:scared:

[DemoTex]

6. Dr. DemoTex does pro-bono gigs with the National Academy of Sciences from time to time ..

One was on FAA safety inspections (about a year ago). She interviewed and documented some FAA ASI (Air Safety Inspector) "whistle-blowers" who described this very problem (not just with AA, but with all airlines). As most here know, I am a medically retired airline captain and I have only flown ONCE in the seven years I've been 'retired'. This is why "Trof" (retired TWA B-747 captain) and I have come out on this board in favor of a cure .. perhaps nationalizing .. for this vital industry.


"500 feet .. REF PLUS 10"