"FAA Seeks To Fine Md Air Authority For Training Lapse"

Friday, September 5, 2003

FAA Seeks To Fine Md Air Authority For Training Lapse
The Associated Press


BALTIMORE (AP)--The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $303,600
penalty against the Maryland Aviation Administration for allegedly failing
to train airport firefighters, officials said Friday.

MAA, which owns and operates the Baltimore-Washington International Airport
, has 30 days to appeal the civil penalty.

A spokeswoman with the FAA would not comment on the details of the case,
saying they are still working with the MAA on the allegations.

MAA spokesman Jonathan Dean said there are good reasons - safety issues with
the training center, then terrorism-prevention responsibilities after Sept.
11, 2001 - why the firefighters didn't get live-fire training from Feb. 8,
2000, to Nov. 14, 2002.

"There were significant new requirements and demands for fire and rescue
after Sept. 11," Dean said. "These new requirements took priority."

The FAA claims that 35 firefighters didn't get live-fire training that is
required by the FAA once a year.

In July, the MAA passed all the FAA's regulations, Dean said.

"Without question the firefighters are completely trained and qualified," he
said.


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