FAA fines Southwest $12M

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $12 million civil penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing to comply with regulations in three separate enforcement cases related to repairs on Boeing 737 jetliners operated by the Dallas-based airline. The FAA alleges that beginning in 2006, Southwest conducted alterations to eliminate potential cracking of the aluminum skin on 44 jetliners. The FAA conducted an investigation that included both the airline and its contractor, Aviation Technical Services (ATS) of Everett, Wash. In one case, the FAA said that ATS failed to follow proper procedures for replacing the fuselage skins on these aircraft. Southwest has 30 days to respond to the allegations. (Source: FAA, 07/28/14) Gulf Coast note: Southwest serves New Orleans, Pensacola, Fla., and Panama City, Fla.