FAA Seeks $155,000 Fine Against American Eagle
FORT WORTH (AP) - Federal officials are seeking a $155,000 civil penalty against American Eagle, accusing the regional airline of violating cargo weight and balance rules and mishandling an engine repair job.
Eagle has 30 days to respond to the FAA and can challenge the proposed penalty. Eagle and American Airlines are owned by Fort Worth's AMR Corp.
Eagle operates regional flights for American Airlines, often connecting passengers from secondary airports to American hubs.
Airlines have to abide by aircraft weight limits, and federal rules require that loads be distributed so that the plane stays in balance during flight.
The FAA said inspectors found that Eagle entered inaccurate information in an automated system used for calculating weight and balance and operated eight flights that way in late December. The flights all went to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The FAA proposed an $80,000 fine for the incidents.
The agency added another $75,000 proposed fine for allegedly using improper procedures to repair a jet engine. A mechanic indicated the job was complete, but the work had not been done, the FAA said.
The plane made 34 flights between Sept. 11 and Sept. 17 of last year while not meeting FAA standards, the agency said.
Eagle spokesman Ed Martelle said the company was reviewing the FAA allegations and would meet with agency officials. He said the airline is proud of its safety record "and our employees' commitment to safety every day."
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