In a strange twist of irony (see story above), it was just announced today in an AP Story that "The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed an $805,000 fine for United Airlines for flying planes the agency said were not in "airworthy condition."
The article continues, "According to a statement from the FAA, United employees in March improperly fixed some small holes they found on the wings of the planes, in the spoiler sections."
United, of course, told The Washington Post the airline will contest the fine because "this is not an airworthiness issue." They indicated that the planes were not unsafe and no passengers were ever in danger.
I want to know who is ultimately going to have to pay this money. The individuals that performed the wing repair? The managers who ran the department that performed the wing repair?
Tell you what buckaroos, you can deduct a portion of any $805,000.00 paid to the FAA from money we're all having to give back in concessions because of earlier company screw ups (like US Airways, Avolar, PilotFest2000, etc...).
United has 30 days to respond to the FAA. Another financial black mark deadline clock is ticking. Dammit!