The pilots union at American Airlines has reported a concerning increase in safety and maintenance issues, which includes lax routines in aircraft inspections and shorter test flights for planes re-entering service after significant maintenance. According to the Allied Pilots Association, there have also been instances of tools and other items being improperly left in critical areas like wheel wells and around aircraft at gates.
Union spokesperson Dennis Tajer expressed that the union has proactively engaged with American Airlines’ senior management about these issues and received a promising initial response. American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, asserts that it maintains an industry-leading safety management system and continues to work closely with regulators and union representatives to enhance its safety practices.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), while not directly commenting on the union’s claims, emphasized that airlines are required to have robust systems in place to identify and mitigate potential hazards before they escalate into more serious issues.
Further concerns raised by the union include an extension of the intervals between routine aircraft inspections and the cessation of overnight maintenance checks unless specifically warranted. The union also noted that the airline now conducts abbreviated test flights on aircraft returning from major maintenance or extended storage, a change from previous practices.
The union has urged its members to report any instances of safety or maintenance lapses, underscoring the importance of vigilance in the aviation industry where preventing a single error can avert potential disasters. This situation highlights ongoing challenges within the industry to balance operational efficiency with the uncompromising need for safety.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, theweek.com
