7/29/2013 1:40:00 AM
NEWS BRIEF
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $2.75 million fine against Boeing for allegedly failing to maintain its quality control system in accordance with FAA procedures, Aviation Online Magazine reports.
“Safety is our top priority and a robust quality control system is a vital part of maintaining the world’s safest air transportation system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Airplane manufacturers must take prompt and thorough steps to correct safety and compliance problems once they become aware of them.”
Boeing discovered in September 2008 that it had been installing nonconforming fasteners on its model 777 airplanes. The FAA sent Boeing a letter of investigation the following month.
The FAA alleges that Boeing repeatedly submitted action plans for corrective actions but failed to implement those plans, according to Aviation Online.
Boeing implemented a plan to address the fastener issue on Nov. 10, 2010 — more than two years after discovering the problem.
While Boeing reportedly stopped using nonconforming fasteners after officials discovered the problem, some of the underlying manufacturing issues continued to exist for more than two years.
Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s civil penalty letter. ©2013 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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