FAA proposes $2.9M fine for American Eagle

WAS, D.C., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said American Eagle Airlines had 30 days to consider a $2.9 million fine for improper repairs on landing gear doors.

The FAA charged the airline with operating four passenger-carrying Bombardier jets from February 2008 through May 2008, having repaired the landing gear doors in place, after an August 2006 Airworthiness Directive instructed airlines to remove defective landing gear doors as part of a repair or replacement procedure.

The airline allegedly flew the planes on 1,178 different commercial flights before correcting the problem, the FAA said in a statement.

"Safety is our number one priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said, "following Airworthiness Directives is not optional."

The airline, a regional affiliate of American Airlines based in Fort Worth, Texas, has 30 days to respond to the proposed fine, the FAA said.