The Nation - News from Feb. 26, 1989

The Federal Aviation Administration proposed an $801,000 fine against Northwest Airlines for safety violations, including the use of Boeing jumbo jets on 8,198 flights without a required engine bolt inspection. Northwest was also charged with making unauthorized repairs on two 747s and failure to comply with a dozen other FAA rules and directives. The proposed fine amounts to an FAA settlement offer, which will take effect if the airline does not object. Alleged violations were initially outlined in a Feb. 17 letter to Northwest President John F. Horn., the FAA said. William Slattery, Northwest executive vice president for operations, described the problems as primarily “instances of inadequate record-keeping and differences in interpretation.”