Airlines
FAA Proposes $1.1M Fine Against United Airlines
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a civil penalty of $1,149,306 against United Airlines for allegedly operating flights in Boeing 777 aircraft that were not airworthy from June 2018 to April 2021.
The FAA alleges United in 2018 removed the Fire System Warning Check from its Boeing 777 Preflight Check List, an inspection task required in its Maintenance Specifications manual. Removal of the check resulted in United’s failure to perform the required check and the operation of aircraft that did not meet airworthiness requirements.
United Airlines has 30 days to respond to the FAA after receiving the agency’s enforcement letter.
In 2018, United admitted to altering their pre-flight checklist. According to United, this was done to account for “redundant, built-in inspections” that are routinely carried out by the aircraft. The representative insisted that “the safety of our planes was never under question.” During the time of the change, a United spokesperson said that the FAA examined and approved its modified checklist.
“The FAA informed United in 2021 that its maintenance programme required pilot pre-flight checks. United promptly adjusted its protocols after receiving confirmation “said the airline.
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United stated that it “would study the FAA‘s proposed civil penalty and respond accordingly.” According to the FAA penalty notice, United’s Technical Operations are in charge of making sure the Boeing Fire Warning System check is completed.
