Thu, Aug 28, 2008
Agency Continues To Explore Options
If the FAA fined you $10 million,
then sent a collection notice warning your case would be referred
to the Department of Justice... how would you respond?
Southwest Airlines faces a record $10.2 million fine over
missing scheduled fatigue-crack inspections.
As ANN reported, last week the FAA gave the
carrier just such a warning, saying the Department of Justice would
get the case if the airline didn't pay up by this coming
Friday.
Yesterday, Southwest responded coolly that a check is not
forthcoming.
Reuters says it was told by a Southwest spokeswoman, "We just
let them know that we would not be paying a fine by the 29th and
that we wanted to have additional discussions. It's just another
step in this process and we certainly hope to continue those
discussions to come up with a fair and reasonable conclusion."
Its bluff having been called, the FAA was asked by Reuters
whether it will now involve the DOJ. An unidentified FAA spokesman
reportedly replied, "I really can't speculate on whether that's the
course of action we would take. All I can say is that we are
continuing to discuss the issue with Southwest this week but really
I can't speculate on what the resolution might be."
It will be interesting to see how the FAA -- and DOJ --
proceeds. Fines against airlines are routinely appealed, and often
reduced... but in earlier comments, the FAA also implied the
possibility of further action.
If Southwest fails to pay on time, the FAA "will refer the case
to the United States Attorney's office for whatever action they
deem appropriate," FAA regional counsel Lynette Word said last
week.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]