American Airlines under FAA scrutiny

The US government has charged that American Airlines flew planes that needed safety repairs.The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a US$7.1 million fine against the carrier, which would be one of the biggest ever levies against an airline.The fine would cover alleged violations of inspection procedures for aircraft.American has said it does not agree with the FAA findings and has said it believes the penalty is excessive.The FAA proposed a US$10.2 million fine against Southwest Airlines Co earlier this year for continuing to fly planes that regulators said had not been properly inspected.