United, US Airways Face Fines for Safety Violations

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has proposed fines of $5.4 million against US Airways and $3.8 million against Untied for a variety of safety procedure violations.

In US Airways’ case, the FAA cited failures to perform inspections for cracking on the landing gear on Airbus A320s and engine work on a Boeing 757. These violations were found on eight planes, used to operate 1,647 total flights last fall and winter.

United’s violation centers on the use of towels instead of approved caps to cover openings in the oil sump area. According to CNN, “A pilot noticed a low fuel pressure indication while on a flight from Denver, Colorado, on April 28, 2008. The pilot shut down an engine and returned to the Denver airport. United mechanics who inspected the engine found that two shop towels had been used to cover openings in the oil sump area, instead of protective caps.”

Both airlines have 30 days to respond to the proposed fees.

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