Pilot representatives at American Airlines are reporting a rise in flight safety incidents.
The Allied Pilots Association, the union representing American Airlines pilots, is raising warning bells about a “significant spike” in safety and maintenance issues. Some issues include:
- Pressure to return aircraft to service to maintain on-time importance
- Tools left in wheel wheels
- Increased time between routine aircraft inspections
- Planes are colliding more frequently while being towed
- Removal of overnight maintenance checks unless the plane is written up or due for scheduled maintenance
“We all understand that aviation accidents are the result of a chain of events – often a series of errors – and catching just one of those errors could prevent a tragedy. As the last link in the safety chain, our passengers and crew depend on us to be the strongest link in that chain,” the union said in a recently released statement.
Union president Ed Sicher stated that the union now has senior management’s attention and is encouraged by their response.
This warning follows several high-profile plane safety issues. On two flights in March, United Airlines had a missing body panel and a lost tire. Other recent plane issues reported include loose bolts on door plugs and a door that blew off midflight.
While there were no fatalities, the increased issues forced airlines to improve safety efforts.
