American Airlines Pilots Union Raises Alarm Over Spike in Safety, Maintenance Issues
American Airlines Pilots Union Raises Alarm Over Spike in Safety, Maintenance Issues
American Airlines Pilots Union highlights urgent safety and maintenance issues. Learn about the critical concerns impacting flights.
American Airlines’ pilots union, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), has raised concerns over a “significant spike” in safety and maintenance-related issues at the airline. The union claims to have observed several concerning trends, including tools left in wheel wells, increased aircraft collisions during towing, items left in safety areas near jet bridges, and pressure to quickly return planes to service due to a lack of spare parts. The APA’s warning comes amidst heightened scrutiny of the airline industry’s safety practices.
Union Highlights Specific Incidents and Procedural Changes
In a memo to its members, the APA Safety Committee detailed specific incidents, such as a hammer found in an Airbus A319 wheel well at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on March 25. The union also noted that American Airlines has increased the time between routine inspections, ended overnight maintenance checks unless necessary, and conducted “abbreviated” test flights on planes returning from major maintenance or long-term storage.
APA President Ed Sicher stated that the union met with American’s senior management earlier this month to discuss the identified operational hazards. The airline has committed to involving the union earlier in the safety risk assessment process and is considering allowing APA to participate in the entire quality assurance process. Sicher described management’s initial response as “encouraging.”
American Airlines Emphasizes Safety as Top Priority
American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, Texas, stressed that safety is a shared mission and a top priority for the company. The airline stated that it has an industry-leading safety management system that includes collaboration with regulators and unions to enhance its safety record and culture.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not directly comment on the union’s allegations but stated that it requires all U.S. airlines to have Safety Management Systems to identify, monitor, and address potential hazards early on.
Increased Scrutiny Amid Industry Challenges
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