[030513.EN.BIZ] FAA Seeks To Fine UPS US$4 Million For Improper Plane Repairs

THE US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks to impose a fine of US$4 million on United Parcel Service (UPS) for failing to maintain four cargo planes properly and flying them in a non-compliant state, reports Atlanta area Air Cargo World.

Atlanta-based UPS has 30 days from the receiving of the FAA's civil penalty letter to respond. Company spokesman Mike Mangeot said UPS will challenge the penalty, calling it "unwarranted and unreasonable".

The FAA said UPS failed to adhere to FAA-rules for making repairs on two DC-8s and two MD-11s and operated them. UPS operated the four planes on more than 400 flights between 2008 and 2009.

"These violations stem from UPS's failure to fully comply with the terms of a consent agreement in which the carrier agreed to inspect all aircraft in its fleet and compare actual repairs with maintenance records," the FAA said, adding that this would have confirmed UPS was in compliance.

"No aircraft should leave the ground until the operator has made all necessary repairs and made them according to the correct procedures," said FAA administrator Michael Huerta.

Said US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: "The aviation industry knows that we take safety very seriously. Air carriers must comply with federal regulations to ensure aircraft are maintained to the highest level of safety."

Source : HKSG.