Mon, Jul 30, 2018
Pilot Union Concerns Led To Self-Initiated Audit
The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released a report from a self-initiated audit in which it finds that the FAA did not fully address safety concerns brought to its attention about an airworthiness flight test program at American Airlines.

According to the OIG report, federal regulations require U.S. air carriers to verify the airworthiness of aircraft following major repairs or maintenance. To perform these maintenance checks, American Airlines (AA) established a flight test program. In February 2017, the Allied Pilots Association (APA)—which represents AA’s pilots—contacted the OIG about multiple safety issues at the AA flight test program, including the use of unqualified pilots.
APA stated that concerns placed in an earlier letter to the FAA had remained “largely unaddressed for over 18 months.” The OIG initiated an audit to assess the effectiveness of FAA’s actions in response to safety concerns about the AA flight test program with a focus on how (1) FAA’s oversight office for American Airlines addressed concerns about the flight test program and (2) the Agency processed and responded to a letter to the Federal Aviation Administrator questioning the integrity of FAA’s oversight of the flight test program.
The OIG found as a result of its audit that the FAA’s oversight office for American Airlines lacked objectivity in its review. While FAA requires inspectors to provide impartial treatment, the inspector in this case seems to have been affected by his relationship with AA personnel and the 28 years he spent working with the carrier. While the Agency has a tool for assessing its relationships with carriers, the tool did not account for these risk factors.
In addition, the Agency used a “best guess” method to determine who should respond to APA’s written allegations, and ultimately routed the letter back to the target of the complaint for response. Due to a lack of oversight guidance, FAA also provided varying responses to APA and OIG regarding the requirements for the flight test program. As a result, APA received neither a comprehensive nor an accurate response to its concerns.
The OIG reports that the FAA concurred with it seven recommendations to improve its oversight of the flight test program, as well as its ability to respond to safety concerns.
(Image from file)
More News
LinxUs System Adds Capabilities for Data-Driven Operators Textron Aviation announced another option for operators processing their post-flight data, adding interoperability with GE>[...]
Aero Linx: The de Havilland Moth Club Ltd The de Havilland Moth Club evolved from a belief that an association of owners and operators of Moth aeroplanes should be formed to create>[...]
(Pilot) Inadvertently Applied Excessive Braking Action, And The Airplane Nosed Over Analysis: The pilot reported that, while landing at a remote, rough and uneven airstrip in a tai>[...]
“MCADT is committed to rapidly integrating armed first-person view drones into the FMF, enhancing small-unit lethality and providing organic capabilities that warfighters cur>[...]
From 2017 (YouTube Edition): Major Engine Supplier Joins Forces With Small Aircraft Manufacturer… GE recently made an agreement with Venom Aircraft to supply engines for the>[...]