FORT WORTH — The hits keep coming for American Airlines.

In April, 3,000 flights were grounded for inspections.

Then came the plans to cut routes and employees.

And now a $7.1 million government fine for safety violations.

However, News 8 has word that the airline plans to contest the fine.

The FAA penalized American for reportedly ignoring some red flags aboard their aircraft.

Their pilots believe it is another sign of the airliner cutting costs and experts say it's just plain dangerous.

It is the latest black eye for the area's largest employer - allegations that it kept two of its jetliners in the air, despite safety concerns, brought to light by its pilots.

Instead of fixing the planes, the FAA says American flew the jets 58 times back in December 2007.

"It's decreased margin of safety. What you had is captains who thought something was wrong with the airplane and it was something different that was wrong with the airplane," said Karl Schricker, from the Allied Pilots Association.

In this case, there were reported problems with the aircraft's autopilot system.

It's a mechanical system used to help guide a jet while in the air, similar to cruise control on your car, but if it's broken, experts say it can cause sudden and sometimes violent pitches up or down.

"What happens if you're using the autopilot at 100 feet and it pitches down, the nose pitches down, you hit the ground prematurely," said expert, Denny Kelly.

Kelly says what makes it even more dangerous is that a pilot doesn't know if or when it could happen and despite concerns, the FAA says American ignored the issue.

In a statement it said: "The FAA believes the large total amount of fines for these violations is appropriate because American Airlines was aware that appropriate repairs were needed and instead deferred maintenance."

Some wonder where these cost cutting measures will end.

"One of these days it's going to catch up with them, it's going to happen. They've had any number of close calls," Kelly said.

In a statement to News 8, American responded by saying quote: "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."

The airliner plans on reviewing the findings before it further discusses the issue.

E-mail ccivale@wfaa.com