to thoroughly review their findings , so that we may discuss the issues , '' the airline said in a written statement . `` Since these matters are ongoing with the FAA , we will not have any further comment at this time . '' Nearly $ 4.5 million of the proposed fines stem from American 's continued operation of two MD-83 jetliners in December 2007 after pilots reported problems with the autopilot systems , the FAA said . The two planes were flown a combined 58 times before the problems were corrected -- and one flew 10 times after an FAA inspector notified the airline that it had wrongly deferred needed repairs . In one incident , the autopilot disconnected during a landing on December 21 , the FAA said . `` American technicians did not check for the actual problem , and instead deferred maintenance using an inappropriate MEL -LRB- minimum equipment list -RRB- item . The plane flew another 36 passenger-carrying flights during December 21-31 . '' The problem was later traced to a piece of radio gear separate from the autopilot , the FAA said . Meanwhile , a different MD-83 flew four flights without a
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Federal regulators announced $ 7.1 million in fines against American Airlines on Thursday over maintenance issues and problems with its drug - and alcohol-testing programs . American Airlines was fined for allowing aircrafts to fly while they knew they needed repairs . `` The FAA believes the large total amount of the fine for these violations is appropriate because American Airlines was aware that appropriate repairs were needed , and instead deferred maintenance , '' the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement announcing the decision . `` In intentionally continuing to fly the aircraft , the carrier did not follow important safety regulations intended to protect passengers and crew . '' American can still appeal the fines , the FAA said . The FAA also found the airline maintained inadequate drug - and alcohol-testing programs and failed to inspect safety lighting on a `` timely '' basis . The Fort Worth , Texas-based carrier said Thursday evening that it disagreed with the findings and called the penalties `` excessive . '' `` In accordance with FAA procedures for handling these matters , we have requested to meet with the FAA after we have had time