In a recent warning to American Airlines pilots, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) has brought attention to a significant increase in safety- and maintenance-related problems within their operation. The union highlights several concerning trends, including tools found in wheel wells, a rising number of aircraft collisions during towing, items left in the safety area near jet bridges, and pressure to return aircraft to service due to a shortage of spare parts.

CBS News obtained images of a hammer discovered in an Airbus A319 wheel well on March 25 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport before Flight 1654's departure for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The pilot discovered the hammer during the pre-flight inspection and immediately notified the captain. The maintenance team inspected the aircraft and also found a pair of Channellock-style pliers and a screwdriver in the wheel well. The union emphasizes that there were no ongoing maintenance actions when the tools were discovered.

APA President Capt. Ed Sicher conveyed in a message to union members that the union met with American Airlines' senior management to discuss the identified operational hazards. Sicher expresses satisfaction in gaining management's attention and commitment to involve the union earlier in the safety risk assessment (SRA) process. The APA is also seeking a seat at the table for the entire quality assurance process and applauds the initial encouraging response from management.

American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, asserts that safety is a shared mission and emphasizes its robust safety program that adheres to an industry-leading safety management system. The airline's safety management system includes collaboration with regulators and unions. While not directly addressing the concerns raised by APA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explains that all U.S. airlines are required to have Safety Management Systems (SMS) to identify and address potential hazards before they become significant issues.

Issues regarding pressure on mechanics to expedite aircraft return to service are not new for American Airlines, as previously reported by CBS News in 2019. The FAA has initiated an audit of United Airlines following a series of alarming incidents, such as a wheel detaching from a Boeing 777 during takeoff from San Francisco and an aerodynamic panel coming off a 737 during a flight from San Francisco to Medford, Oregon.

The APA memo acknowledges United Airlines' current scrutiny and warns that American Airlines could easily face similar circumstances. The union's safety committee advises pilots not to rush or be intimidated in their duties and emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough safety assessments. They urge pilots not to succumb to pressure that compromises safety, emphasizing that legality does not equate to safety.

The concerns raised by the APA regarding safety and maintenance issues warrant attention from American Airlines management and regulatory bodies. It is crucial for the airline to address these concerns and ensure the highest level of safety standards for both passengers and crew.