FAA Settles for $7.5 Million Penalty against Southwest Airlines
The FAA yesterday reached a settlement with Southwest Airlines that reduces the civil penalty it proposed to levy against the carrier on March 6 last year
The FAA yesterday reached a settlement with Southwest Airlines that reduces the civil penalty it proposed to levy against the carrier on March 6 last year from $10.2 million to $7.5 million. The agency proposed the penalty after it found that Southwest operated 46 airplanes on 59,791 flights without performing mandatory inspections for fuselage fatigue cracking. The penalty could double to $15 million if the airline does not accomplish specific safety improvements outlined in the settlement agreement.
“This agreement furthers aviation safety by requiring important improvements to the airline’s safety program. Some of those safety measures exceed FAA regulations,” said FAA Acting Administrator Lynne Osmus.
