American Airlines pilots union sounds alarm on 'significant spike' in safety ... trends now
An American Airlines pilots' union has sounded the alarm on a 'significant spike' in safety issues in the wake of several terrifying aviation incidents.
The Allied Pilots Association, which represents 15,000 pilots working for American Airlines, claims members have noted tools being left in wheels, delays in plane inspections and pressure to get aircraft back in the sky.
The warning comes amid scrutiny of the airline industry which was ignited in January, when an Alaska Airlines-operated Boeing jet blew out a door panel mid-flight.
The incident led to a federal probe and the grounding of the aircraft manufacturer's 737 Max jets. Several whistleblowers also added fuel to the fire by flagging concerns over Boeing's 787 Dreamliner models.
But the union warned poor practices have been seen across the industry, noting it has encountered 'increasing number of collisions between aircraft being tugged or towed' as well as incomplete maintenance actions and an absence of certain permits.
The Allied Pilots Association led by president Ed Sicher has sounded the alarm on a 'significant spike' in safety issues in the wake of several terrifying aviation incidents
On January 5, the door plug blew out on an Alaska Airlines flight above Oregon causing an emergency landing and a massive federal probe into airline safety
Crucial bolts were MISSING from door plug that blew off Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX plane, according to the NTSB
The door plug was later found in the yard of an Oregon teacher
'APA has been tracking a significant spike in safety- and maintenance-related problems in our operation,' the APA said in a statement.
'While United Airlines is currently under public and government scrutiny, it could just as easily be American Airlines.'
United has been thrust into the spotlight amid a string of safety incidents, some of which have resulted in emergency landings.
The airline revealed it had discovered loose bolts on the door plugs of its Boeing 737 Max 9 jets in the aftermath of the Alaska Airlines blowout.
An last month, an Oregon-bound Boeing 737-824 flown by the operator was grounded after it was found to be missing a panel after it touched down following a flight.
Just days before, a United Airlines plane was forced to land due to read more from dailymail.....
