The Federal Aviation Administration is stepping in to take a closer look at United Airlines’ operations.
The move comes after a series of major maintenance issues, including a jet wheel falling off during a flight, a missing plane panel, and a few planes with hydraulic issues.
“This is an unprecedented move on the parts of the FAA to oversee all aspects of United’s operation,” said Douglas Rice, a retired airline pilot.
Rice said the FAA’s move will stretch the agency’s resources a bit because United is the second largest carrier with operations around the globe.
The airline is already getting ready for the increased scrutiny.
In a memo issued this weekend, United’s Vice President of Corporate Safety Sasha Johnson advised employees to expect an increased FAA presence over all their operations.
In that memo, Johnson writes in part “We welcome their engagement and are very open to hear from them about what they find.”
Johnson said the airline is also open to…