George S. May Business Blog

American Eagle could be in for a huge fine

American Eagle may be in for a bit of trouble with the FAA, as the Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $2.5 million fine for failing to appropriately account for the weight of luggage on more than 150 flights.

The FAA’s strict approach regarding the matter likely stems from the 2003 crash of Air Midwest flight 5481. The crash was blamed on a poor estimate of passenger weight.

Bill Zeeble of NPR member station KERA in Dallas which serves North Texas reports:

The FAA proposes the civil penalty because it says American Eagle failed to adequately ensure the weight of baggage was properly calculated on at least 154 flights flown in 2008. That means the plane could have been too heavy for safe takeoffs and landings.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the traveling public has to be confident airlines are following important safety rules. The FAA says the flights in question showed cargo sheet baggage weights disagreed with the company’s Electronic Weight and Balance System.

And even after the FAA told Eagle of the discrepancy, it says Eagle flew 39 more flights without correcting the problem. The carrier calls the penalties excessive and inappropriate and says it operates a safe carrier.

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