The pilots union at American Airlines has reported a significant increase in safety issues within the airline. These concerns include a decrease in routine aircraft inspections and shorter test flights on planes returning from major maintenance work. Instances of tools and items being left in wheel wells and around parked planes have also been noted.
The union has communicated these issues to senior management at American Airlines and has received an encouraging response. American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, asserts that it maintains an industry-leading safety management system. The airline remains in regular communication with regulators and unions to strengthen its safety protocols and culture.
Dennis Tajer, a pilot and union spokesperson, stated that the union is committed to ensuring American Airlines upholds high safety standards. The Federal Aviation Administration has not directly addressed the union's claims but emphasized the importance of airlines having systems in place to identify and address potential hazards.
The Allied Pilots Association's safety committee has observed a notable rise in safety and maintenance issues within American Airlines' operations. The union highlighted that the airline has extended the time between routine inspections and reduced overnight maintenance checks unless specifically required.
The union has urged its members to report any safety or maintenance concerns promptly. By addressing these issues proactively, the union aims to prevent potential aviation accidents resulting from a chain of errors.
