FAA Proposes $805,000 Fine Against United Airlines

RENTON, WA - The Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) has proposed to 
assess an $805,000 civil penalty 
against United Airlines of Chicago, IL, 
for allegedly violating FAA regulations 
by operating three Boeing 757s on 193 
flights when they were not in 
compliance with regulations.
 
The FAA said that on or about March 2, 
2002, United Airlines employees 
performed improper maintenance on three 
Boeing 757s.  After discovering small 
holes in the spoilers of the aircraft, 
maintenance workers performed a 
temporary repair of the spoiler skin 
that was not within approved methods, 
techniques or practices in the current 
manufacturer's repair manuals. Further, 
the FAA alleges that United Airlines 
continued to operate the aircraft when 
they were not in an airworthy condition.
 
United Airlines will have 30 days from 
its receipt of the FAA's enforcement 
letter to respond to the agency.  This 
announcement of the proposed civil 
penalty is made in accordance with the 
FAA's policy of releasing information 
to the public on newly issued 
enforcement actions in cases involving 
penalties of $50,000 or more.
 
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