After a string of recent mechanical incidents at United Airlines, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulators are stepping up oversight, potentially placing United’s growth plan in danger.
FAA Steps Up Oversight Of United Airlines
Late last night, a memo was sent to employees from Sasha Johnson, United’s Vice President of Corporate Safety. It begins with an acknowledgment that the handful of safety-related incidents over the last several weeks have prompted a “pause” and evaluation:
“We have a strong safety culture at United. Still, the number of safety-related events in recent weeks have rightfully caused us to pause and evaluate whether there is anything we can and should do differently.”
While the memo implies that it was United who reached out to the FAA for assistance, the more likely explanation is that it was the FAA that mandated taking “an even closer look at multiple areas of our operation.” Here’s what to expect:
Over the next several weeks, we will begin to see more of an FAA presence in our operation as they begin to review some of our work processes, manuals and facilities. We welcome their engagement and are very open to hear from them about what they find and their perspective on things we may need to change to make us even safer. As part of this effort, the FAA will also pause a variety of certification activities for a period of time. Those activities will differ depending on the work group and we will learn more from the FAA about that soon.
That last sentence confirms that this is not a self-directed effort from United. It appears United does not even know yet the full extent of what certification activities will be paused and is awaiting more info from the FAA.
You can read the full memo here:
.@FAA_Mike told me this week that @united CEO Scott Kirby "knows we're going to be engaging a little more closely with them as we look into these” recent incidents https://t.co/G0RzN7ItZf pic.twitter.com/yg8isYSOeE
— David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) March 22, 2024
This memo has prompted wild rumors that the FAA will halt United’s growth and even restrict operations. For example, aviation insider JonNYC suggests that United may not be able to operate new aircraft or begin new routes:
Ah:
“As part of this effort, the FAA will also pause a variety
of certification activities for a period of time.”SO, i’m leaning towards confirmed?
“UA can take delivery of new aircraft but can’t fly revenue with them”
“no new routes” is the rumor portion.
— JonNYC (@xJonNYC) March 23, 2024
Meanwhile, a United pilot’s forum attributes the following statement to Local Executive Council (LEC) of the Orlando (MCO) domicile:
“The FAA has similarly witnessed this and recently stepped in to take substantial action against United Airlines. We have lost the ability to approve new Line Check Pilots, issue type ratings, and have regulator-imposed restrictions on our ability to operate and grow our airline.”
My assessment is that it is far too early to make any conclusions as to what this increased oversight means…we don’t even know yet the extent of the FAA scrutiny. The government indeed tends to move slowly and it does appear there will be some certification delays, but that’s all we know for now…let’s not make any further conclusions at this point.
Live And Let’s Fly has reached out to United Airlines for clarity and will update this post if any further info is provided.
CONCLUSION
United Airlines is facing increased FAA oversight after a series of recent safety-related incidents. As part of this scrutiny, the FAA will “pause a variety of certification activities for a period of time.” That’s all we officially know at this time. While I do not dismiss the rumors about what this means, I would be shocked if this oversight will halt United’s growth for several months…but we will soon find out.
image: United
But…but…but….United has PRONOUN NAME TAGS!
Diversity is their strength!
Absolutely, including pilot selection! Can’t see safety improving when using DEI criteria instead of meritocracy for new hires. Go woke, go broke.
Ah, the arrogant, misinformed, dumb, provincial sloganism of America’s other WOKE MOB. The MAGA morons.
Get used to it baby
WE are much more informed than you and as ALWAYS we are being proven right.
The worst of them seem to enjoy posting their idiotic racist/sexist/homophobic/etc nonsense on here.
How come Sasha didn’t announce all the improvements quality assurance will implement to avoid further incidents? What about she offering her resignation if any other incidents occur?
She provides diversity, and that is the most important function for her in United’s view. Not like she has to be good at doing her actual job or anything. As others have said, get used to it folks.
The way incels like you have gotten used to not having sex?
Memes and insults aside I didn’t realize it would go this far.
United has a Boeing heavy inventory and I suspect technicians have been swamped with demands of Boeing product scrutiny. Did this have anything to do with the recent string of events? Probably not as they appear unrelated. But I believe Kirby did address additional technicians and mechanics in training. So that may be helpful to keep maintenance well staffed and not stretching too thin.
As to FAA involvement, United could be the bellwether they want to observe and determine if changes are needed. Just a guess right now.
I wonder if this will effect executive bonuses?
This is what DEI gets you, a failing business.
‘get woke, go broke’ isn’t just a catchy phrase but a natural truth.
Kirby has prioritized wokeness at united and the airline is a disaster.
DEI = DIE for any respectable company or profession.
Stick to having “diverse” startbucks baristas where the only danger is them giving you caffine when you asked for decaff.
My goodness. All these repetitive posts. Poor thing.
The hate, ignorance, and stupid is strong in that one.
All of United’s mechanical incidents involve older aircraft. The MAX that slid off the runway was caused by ATC and pilots, not aircraft. Restricting United’s new planes will not solve problems, but it’s the maintainence of older planes that need to be looked at.
The panel falling off was pure neglect. It’s not about DEI, but about a bloated, inefficient, and unionized company, run for the benefit of insiders.