Sat, Dec 25, 2010
American Eagle, Continental Assessed Civil Penalties
The FAA has assessed civil penalties against two airlines in
the days before Christmas. They have proposed a $275,000 civil
penalty against Continental Airlines Inc., of Houston, for
operating two Boeing 737-900ER (extended range) aircraft on 73
flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation
Regulations.
The FAA alleges Continental mechanics failed to follow the 737
Airplane Maintenance Manual when they installed incorrect main
landing gear wheel-tire assemblies on two aircraft and released
them for service on Nov. 7 and 19, 2009.
The manual contains specific instructions to mechanics not to
use wheel-tire assemblies intended for the B-737-700, -800 and -900
on the heavier B-737-900ER. The manual says using the incorrect
assemblies on the heavier version of the B-737 might lead to damage
to the aircraft or injury to people working on and around the
aircraft.
At American Eagle of Fort Worth, the proposed penalty is
$330,000 for operating an Embraer 135 regional jet on 12 revenue
passenger flights when it was not in compliance with Federal
Aviation Regulations.
The FAA alleges American Eagle mechanics failed to note broken
passenger seats and armrests on two aircraft during a Dec. 18, 2008
inspection and did not follow the approved maintenance manual
instructions during those inspections. FAA inspectors
discovered seats on two aircraft that would not raise and stow into
the upright and locked position for takeoffs and landings.
FAA inspectors also found damaged center arm rests that would not
stow in the upright and locked position.
The FAA further alleges that American Eagle used one of the
aircraft on 12 revenue passenger flights between the inspection and
eventual repair of the seats and armrests. The other aircraft
did not fly again until the airline completed the required
work.
Both airlines have 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s
enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
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