On August 14, 2008, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed $7.1 million in fines against American Airlines (AA) for safety and other regulatory violations. The bulk of the fines relate to the airline continuing to fly aircraft after being made aware of problems with the auto-pilot systems.CNN: American Airlines fined $7.1 million for safety violations (August 14, 2008)

"We do not agree with the FAA's findings and characterizations of American's action in these cases. We believe the proposed penalties are excessive."—American Airlines statementRetuers: FAA proposes $7.1 million fine against American (August 14, 2008)

"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."—FAA statementCNN: American Airlines fined $7.1 million for safety violations (August 14, 2008)