FAA Proposes $211,000 Fine Against Alaska Airlines

RENTON, WA, (May 1, 2001) - The Federal Aviation
Administration has proposed to impose a $211,000 civil penalty
against Alaska Airlines of Seattle, for allegedly violating FAA
regulations by operating an MD-80 aircraft on 47 flights when it
was not in compliance with regulations.

FAA said that on March 30, 1999, pilots received an "unsafe
landing gear" indication on their control panel. The crew followed
Alaska MD-80 procedures and completed the landing with the main
landing gear doors extended. The left main landing gear door skid
plate was damaged and should have been replaced.

FAA alleged that Alaska Airlines continued to operate the aircraft
on 47 flights before replacing the skid plate; and that Alaska
Airlines continued to fly the aircraft without approved technical
data to support the operation on the aircraft without replacing the
plate, a violation of airworthiness regulations.

Finally, the FAA alleges that Alaska Airlines failed to prepare an
airworthiness release or logbook entry for those flights.

Alaska Airlines will have 30 days from its receipt of the FAA's
enforcement letter to respond to the agency. This announcement
of the proposed civil penalty is made in accordance with the
FAA's policy of releasing information to the public on newly issued
enforcement actions in cases involving penalties of $50,000 or
more.