Oregon-based airline fined for operating uninspected planes

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland-based SeaPort Airlines is facing federal fines for operating three planes without having them inspected.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the Federal Aviation Administration proposed the $500,000 penalty because it claims the airline flew planes that weren't cleared to fly. The inspections are intended to prevent failures that could cause an engine to lose power.

President Tim Sieber said the employee responsible for the incident has been terminated and that changes have been made to the entire maintenance division. He said the mishap is not representative of the company today.

SeaPort, which primarily operates from its Portland and Memphis hubs, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.

Sieber said the fine would have no impact on the company's plan to emerge from bankruptcy later this year.