FAA hands down another fine to Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is in yet more trouble with the Federal Aviation Administration over aircraft maintenance issues.
The FAA has proposed a fine of $325,000 after the airline flew a plane for too long after receiving only a temporary repair.
A FAA inspector found Southwest had improperly recorded a temporary repair to a rear cargo door on one of its planes as a permanent one.
"The inspector discovered that this fuselage damage had first been reported in Southwest Airlines’ maintenance records on May 2, 2002, which is when the airline made the temporary repair," the FAA said in its report.
"The airline was required to inspect the temporary repair every 4,000 flights and complete a permanent repair within 24,000 flights."
The FAA said Southwest flew the 18-year-old Boeing 737 on 24,831 flights without the required regular inspections.
"The agency further alleges the airline operated the plane on 4,831 flights beyond the flight threshold by which it was required to have performed the permanent repair," the agency said.
The permanent fix was eventually carried out on July 24, 2014.
Southwest said it discovered the lapse that month and addressed the issue to the satisfaction of the FAA.
"Safety is the highest priority at Southwest, and we strive always toward full compliance with established and approved maintenance processes and procedures. Southwest has requested a meeting with the FAA to discuss the proposed penalty," Southwest spokesman Brad Hawkins told the Dallas Morning News.
The airline is currently in dispute with the FAA over a $12 million fine imposed by the agency over improperly repaired aircraft.
Last year the US government filed a lawsuit seeking payment which is due to be heard in court next year.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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