Fri, May 21, 2010
Administration Proposes $1.55 Million Civil Penalty For
Maintenance Program
The FAA has proposed a $1.55 million civil penalty against
Federal Express for allegedly failing to revise its Continuous
Airworthiness Maintenance Program in accordance with FAA
regulations.
Federal Express allegedly failed to
ensure that the air carrier used approved standards, inspections,
and time limitations for 14 cargo Unit Load Devices (ULDs) used on
the company's airplanes beginning in early 2008. The civil penalty
addresses 124 flights from March 20 to April 17, 2008. Aircraft
ULDs are sophisticated containers with integral pallets that are
used to load freight.
"When it comes to maintenance, it's unacceptable for any air
carrier not to meet the FAA's standards," said FAA Administrator
Randy Babbitt.
During a routine surveillance from March 14-20, 2008, FAA
inspectors determined that Federal Express had failed to
incorporate Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) into its Continued
Airworthiness Maintenance Program for 14 cargo ULDs. The TSOs
contain specific maintenance instructions for the ULD smoke
detector, power distribution feed, and batteries. Federal Express
could not ensure that it used approved maintenance standards for
the 14 newly installed ULDs because the company failed to make the
necessary revisions to its program for overhauling and inspecting
the devices.
On March 20, 2008, Federal Express was notified of the problem
by the FAA but did not make the necessary revisions to its
Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program until April 17,
2008.
Federal Express has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA's civil
penalty letter to respond to the agency.
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