United Airlines Faces Increased FAA Oversight Amid Safety Concerns
United Airlines is under increased scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a series of incidents in recent months have raised questions about the airline’s safety practices. In a memo sent to employees on Friday, Sasha Johnson, United’s Vice President for Corporate Safety, acknowledged the situation and emphasized the need for evaluation and improvement.
“The increased number of episodes have rightfully caused us to pause and evaluate whether there is anything we can and should do differently,” Johnson wrote in the memo, which was reviewed by USA TODAY. The FAA is stepping up its presence in United’s operations to understand the root causes of these incidents and to ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken.
While specific details of the incidents have not been disclosed, the heightened oversight indicates significant concerns. The FAA’s increased involvement aims to closely monitor United’s procedures and compliance with safety regulations. This move reflects a proactive approach to maintaining the highest safety standards in the aviation industry.
United Airlines has a responsibility to its passengers and crew to uphold stringent safety measures. The airline is reportedly cooperating fully with the FAA and conducting internal reviews to identify areas for improvement. This collaborative effort seeks to enhance operational safety and restore confidence among travelers.
As the situation unfolds, both industry experts and passengers will be watching closely to see how United Airlines responds to the FAA’s increased oversight. The airline’s actions in the coming weeks and months will be critical in demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence and safety.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s gone on at United this year.
Feb. 6: United Airlines plane reports stuck rudder pedals
On Feb. 6, a United Airlines flight from Nassau, Bahamas to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey experienced “stuck” rudder pedals on its landing roll, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board released in March.
According to the report, the captain told investigators that “the rudder pedals did not move in response to the ‘normal’ application of foot pressure while attempting to maintain the runway centerline. The pedals remained ‘stuck’ in their neutral position.”
The NTSB said it is continuing to investigate the incident, but early tests suggested that cold temperatures may have been a factor.
The plane was a Boeing 737-8. United had received the plane from Boeing Feb. 20, 2023, and removed it from service for maintenance after the incident.
Feb. 19: United Airlines flight diverted after damaged wing
A United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Boston carrying 165 passengers was diverted and landed in Denver after one of its wings was damaged.
United said the plane landed in Denver to “address an issue with the slat,” a moveable panel on the edge of the wing that are used during takeoff and landing, the Associated Press reported. The plane was a Boeing 757-200.
The plane landed safely, and the passengers boarded a different plane to arrive later that day in Boston.
Feb. 21: ‘Security issue’ causes emergency landing
A United Airlines flight traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport made an emergency landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport after crew on board reported “a security issue.”
An airline spokesperson did not say what the security issue was but previously told USA TODAY that the flight landed safely and “met local law enforcement upon arrival.”
March 4: No injuries reported after engine fire
A United Airlines flight traveling from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas to Southwest Florida International Airport made an emergency landing in Houston after one of its engines caught fire midair.
No injuries were reported, a United spokesperson previously told USA TODAY, and the airlines arranged for a new aircraft that departed for Fort Myers later that night.
March 7: Tire falls off plane, damages several cars in parking lot
A United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco International Airport was diverted after takeoff when a tire fell off the plane and crashed into a parking lot, damaging several cars.
The plane, a Boeing 777-200ER, had taken off and was headed to Osaka, Japan when one of its six landing gear tires fell off. The flight was then diverted to Los Angeles International Airport.
No injuries were reported, but the runway was temporarily closed for crews to search for and clear any debris.
United said it would work with the customers and owners of the damaged vehicles to “ensure their needs are addressed.”
March 8: Passengers evacuated after plane rolls off taxiway
Passengers onboard a United Airlines flight that had landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas had to evacuate after the plane tilted and rolled onto the grass from the taxiway.
The airline previously told USA TODAY that no one was injured, but the passengers had to deplane the Boeing 737 Max 8 using emergency stairs and were bused to terminals. The FAA previously told USA TODAY it is investigating the incident.
March 15: Missing panel found on plane after domestic flight
A panel was found to be missing on the underside of a United Airlines plane after it landed in Medford, Oregon.
The plane, a Boeing 737-800, had arrived at its destination from San Francisco when a post-flight inspection found the panel was missing, the Associated Press reported.
No injuries were reported on the flight, which was carrying 139 passengers and six crew members. The airport paused operations to check the runway and airfield for debris, but none was found.
March 18: United CEO sends letter acknowledging recent issues
In a letter sent to customers, United CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged the recent issues at the airline.
“Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety. While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” Kirby’s letter said.
The statement continued: “Our team is reviewing the details of each case to understand what happened and using those insights to inform our safety training and procedures across all employee groups. This is in addition to some changes that were already planned, including an extra day of in-person training for all pilots starting in May and a centralized training curriculum for our new-hire maintenance technician.”
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=United+Airlines
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, usatoday.com