FAA TO FINE AAR $1 MILLION FOR ILLEGAL SHIPMENTS

FAA TO FINE AAR $1 MILLION FOR ILLEGAL SHIPMENTS       The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $1-million fine against Illinois-based Airframe & Accessories Inc. for illegally shipping oxygen generators via air.
      An improperly labeled and packed shipment of oxygen generating canisters is believed to have caused the crash of a Valujet plane in 1996 that killed 110 people. A $1-million fine would be one of the highest levied by the FAA for a hazmat violation.
      The agency alleges that AAR, formerly known as AAR Allen Group Inc. offered to Air France a consolidation of excess aircraft parts, including about 800 chemical oxygen generators, for transport from Paris to Chicago in January 1997. AAR used its freight forwarder, Aerospace International, to pack the shipment, according to the FAA. Thirty-one freight boxes containing an undetermined number of oxygen generators were transported on a scheduled Air France passenger flight. The rest traveled on board an Air France freighter.
      Oxygen generators have been banned from passenger flights in the United States and overseas since late 1996.
      The FAA alleges that AAR, by its agent Aerospace International, offered oxygen generators that were not properly described, marked, labeled and in proper condition for transport by air. AAR also shipped the banned materials without labeling them for 'cargo aircraft only' as required since 1996, the FAA says.
      The FAA began investigating the case in July 1997. AAR has 30 days to respond.