American Airlines’ pilots union has reported a “significant spike” in safety issues, raising red flags over fewer routine aircraft inspections and shorter test flights of aircraft after major maintenance work.
The Allied Pilots Association cited a number of “troubling trends” in an email to its members on Saturday, noting a “significant spike in safety and maintenance-related issues.”
The report highlighted incidents where tools were left in wheel wells and items were left in sterile areas around airplanes parked at airport gates.
The union noted that airlines have extended the intervals between routine inspections and ended night-time maintenance inspections, except when aircraft require special attention.
American Airlines also said it is currently conducting “shortened” test flights for planes returning from extensive maintenance or long-term storage.
“Everyone understands that an aviation accident is the result of a series of events, often a series of mistakes. And if we can catch even one of those mistakes, we can prevent a tragedy.” the union said in an email.
Concerns have been raised with the company, “and management’s initial response to our requests has been encouraging,” said union spokesperson and pilot Dennis Tajer.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure American Airlines maintains strong safety margins,” he added.
In a statement to Bloomberg, American Airlines said it has a “robust safety program” that includes a collaborative program with the FAA and all of its unions to ensure flyer safety.
The paper also reported union complaints about equipment being left in the sterile area where planes enter the gates and about inadequate documentation when transporting damaged planes to other locations.
APA also warned its members to be aware of the dangers “when operating on busy airport ramps and taxiways staffed by inexperienced controllers and ground personnel.”
The Federal Aviation Administration recently increased its scrutiny of United Airlines as part of a broader safety review following a series of safety incidents.
with post wire
