In a memo to its members that USA TODAY reviewed, the Allied Pilots Association’s Safety Committee said it was seeing a trend of tools left in wheel wells after maintenance work was performed, an increase in aircraft collisions on the ground during towing operations, poor recordkeeping and abbreviated check flights after maintenance, among other issues.
“While United Airlines is currently under public and government scrutiny, it could just as easily be American Airlines,” the memo said. The union also said airline employees appear to be under pressure to return aircraft to service in an effort to maintain flight schedules.
In a separate letter to the union’s members , APA President Ed Sicher said union representatives have met with American’s management team to address their concerns.
“Safety at any airline is a shared mission and it’s especially true at American,” the statement said. “Our robust safety program is guided by our industry-leading safety management system. It includes a multitude of collaborative programs – and regular touchpoints – with the FAA and all our unions, including APA, to further bolster our strong safety record and enhance our ever-evolving safety culture.”
