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FAA Questions American's Lightning Safety

Mechanics grumble after airline stops inspections

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 1:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – The FAA is questioning American Airlines' new policy on lightning inspections, and its opener is: Why doesn’t American do them anymore? American recently forbade its mechanics from doing extensive lightning damage checks unless pilots suspected a strike, a move designed to reduce delays and cancellations. Big airlines are typically allowed to tweak safety standards, reports the Wall Street Journal.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea at all,” said one air-safety expert. “The FAA has no issue with our lightning strike policy,” said an American spokesman. But it could soon. Inspectors are taking the first steps toward a possible investigation. The issue highlights simmering labor tensions at American, whose own mechanics brought the change to the FAA’s attention.

An American Airlines MD-80 takes off from Tulsa International Airport in this April 14, 2003 photo. (AP Photo/Tulsa Workd, David Crenshaw, FILE)

The reader board at Portland International Airport shows canceled American Airlines flights in Portland, Ore., in this April 9, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)

An American Airlines MD-80 aircraft taxis by a runway as another takes off from DFW International Airport, Thursday, May 19, 2005, in Grapevine, Texas. American Airlines on Saturday April 12, 2008 received... (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, FILE)

American Airlines flight crew members walk under company jets at LaGuardia Airport in this April 9, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/Frances Roberts, File)

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With skies safe, officials turn their attention to 'surface threats' on runways

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But lowly passengers? No such luck

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Parent firm says voluntary move best choice for firm

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Mechanics grumble after airline stops inspections

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FAA • airline industry • lightning • American Airlines • airline safety • inspection

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

American Airlines to Cut 13K Jobs

Airline will emerge from bankruptcy with fewer workers

Top Carriers Weigh American Airlines Merger

US Airways, Delta in the running

Riskiest Part of Flight Might Now Be on Ground

With skies safe, officials turn their attention to 'surface threats' on runways

FAA: Pilots Can Use iPads ... During Takeoff, Landing

But lowly passengers? No such luck

American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy

Parent firm says voluntary move best choice for firm

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