FAA: Northwest Violated Safety Rules

Northwest Airlines doesn’t exist anymore, but that doesn’t mean the airline’s past transgressions just evaporate into thin air. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just revealed what it says is “systemic non-compliance with FAA Airworthiness Directives,” which, according to CNN, refers to “government rules designed to remedy an unsafe or potentially unsafe condition.”

The FAA said it has proposed disciplinary action against two Northwest managers and will continue to “monitor compliance.”

Northwest’s issues came to light when a whistleblower, who worked in the FAA’s former Northwest inspection office in Bloomington, Minnesota, “alleged that the carrier did not have adequate policies and procedures in place in 2008 to ensure compliance with safety regulations.” A subsequent investigation proved these allegations to be true.

This news comes just months after the FAA discovered Northwest had failed to properly inspect the wiring in its cockpit window heaters on its Boeing 757 aircraft for 17 years. Northwest’s safety manuals apparently did not include instructions to inspect the wiring every 90 days. According to the FAA, the wiring is too small and is prone to fires. The agency proposed a $1.75 million fine against the carrier.

Think Delta is ready to exchange Northwest for another merger partner? Nah, me neither.