The. Federal Aviation Administration proposed to fine Boeing Co. $13.6 million on Friday, its second-largest penalty ever, for delays in telling airlines how to prevent fuel-tank explosions on 383 aircraft. Boeing was given a Dec. 27, 2010, deadline to submit instructions on how to add explosion-prevention devices in its U.S.-registered 747 jumbo jets and 757 single-aisle planes, the FAA said. The Chicago-based company missed the deadline for 747s by 301 days, and was 406 days late for 757s, according to the FAA. "We are committed to ensuring the safety of the flying public," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "Manufacturers must provide the necessary instructions so the airlines can comply with this important safety regulation." The fine is the largest proposed by the FAA since it sought $24.2 million from AMR Corp.'s American Airlines in 2010 for maintenance lapses that grounded its fleet of Boeing MD-80s in 2008. Firms typically negotiate lower payments with the FAA. The agency's action stems from a regulation that requires airlines to install devices that blanket center fuel tanks with non-flammable nitrogen gas. Boeing said it is reviewing the FAA's action and will respond to the agency.
Copyright 2012 The Tulsa World
