FAA fines Delta Air Lines for operating planes said to need repairs

By Hugo Martin

July 11, 2012 12 AM PT

This post has been updated.

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing two fines totaling $987,500 against Delta Air Lines for allegedly operating two commercial planes in need of repairs.

“Safety is our highest priority,” FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta said in a statement. “Operators must follow the proper procedures to maintain their aircraft.”

Delta, based in Atlanta, has 30 days to respond to the proposed fine.

In one case, the FAA contends Delta operated a Boeing 737-800 on 20 flights after an FAA inspector discovered a chip on the plane’s nose cone. Delta’s repair manual requires the airline seal chip damage before further flights.

In a second case, the FAA alleges the airline put off repair of a broken floodlight socket in the cockpit of an Airbus A320 for about seven months, during which it flew 884 flights.

[Updated, July 11, 1:20 p.m.: In a statement, Delta reponded to the charges, saying, “At no time was either of these aircraft operating in an unsafe manner. Once Delta verified the concerns of the FAA, Delta initiated immediate and necessary actions to ensure that the aircraft were in full compliance with the regulatory requirements.”]

Delta Air Lines adds $3 fee to offset European emission limits

Delta Air Lines to add Wi-Fi on long-haul international flights