FAA Proposed $24.2M Fine Against American Airlines

Washington, DC: The Federal Aviation Authority has proposed a $24.2 civil penalty against American Airlines, related to the April 2008 grounding of some 300 American planes, a move that led to 3,000 canceled flights in one week. The proposed penalty is the largest in the FAA's history.

As part of its investigation, the FAA said it determined that 286 of American's MD-80s flew a combined 14,278 passenger flights while not in compliance with an airworthiness directive that required operators to inspect and repair wire bundles in wheel wells. FAA officials said abrasion on the wires could have led to fires and fuel-tank explosions.

"American Airlines has always maintained its aircraft to the highest standards, and we continue to do so," said American spokeswoman Andrea Huguely. "We assure our customers there was never a safety of flight issue surrounding these circumstances more than two years ago."