On Thursday, the U.S. Transportation Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) said it will conduct an audit of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) oversight of United Airlines maintenance procedures.
In a statement, the watchdog agency cited “recent safety events” at United as reason for the audit noting, its objective is to assess the FAA’s measures in addressing maintenance non-compliances and violations within the airline.
This year, a series of safety incidents, including an aircraft losing a tire during takeoff and another involving “stuck” rudders, have propelled the carrier into media headlines. Following the safety incidents, United CEO Scott Kirby released a statement reassuring customers the events were unrelated but emphasized they have sharpened the company’s focus on safety.
Meanwhile, the OIG has said it has conducted a number of audit reports and recommendations concerning FAA oversight of air…