FAA  News Release  

Federal Aviation Administration, Western-Pacific Region, P.O. Box 92007, Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               

AWP-5 02-010

August 20, 2002

Contact: Jerry Snyder

Phone:  (310) 725-3580

 

FAA proposes $1.5 million civil penalty against United Airlines, Inc.

 

 

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed to assess a $1.5 million civil penalty against United Airlines, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, for allegedly violating Federal Aviation Regulations.

 

The FAA alleges UAL failed to ensure proper maintenance and inspection of three JT-8D engines. On three separate occasions between April 22, 1999 and October 13, 1999 UAL failed to comply with Airworthiness Directive 97-19-14, which is designed to improve the containment capabilities of the fourth stage, low-pressure turbine by replacing existing nuts with nuts of greater strength.

 

The three engines were installed on UAL aircraft and operated more than 974 flights. UAL discovered it had improperly accomplished AD 97-19-14 on October 26, 1999, but continued to operate the aircraft for 124 additional flights until November 5, 1999.  United was cited for continuing to operate the aircraft while it was not in compliance with FAA regulations.

 

Under Title 49 U.S.C. 46301, UAL is liable for a maximum civil penalty not to exceed $11,000 for each violation of the regulations. Each flight constitutes a separate violation.

 

The company has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA notice to submit a reply to the agency. This announcement is made in accordance with the FAA’s practice of releasing information to the public on newly issued enforcement action involving penalties of $50,000 or more.

 

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An electronic version of this news release is available via the

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