DOT OIG INITIATES AUDIT OF FAA OVERSIGHT OF AIR CARRIER MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
On June 1, 2017, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) announced its intent to initiate an audit of the FAA’s Oversight of Air Carrier Maintenance Programs.
Background. According to the OIG, there have been recent allegations regarding potentially unsafe maintenance practices such as mechanics being forced to shortcut repairs to keep aircraft in service, as well as a string of emergency landings and aborted takeoffs that can be traced to mechanical problems. As a result of such allegations, the Ranking Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on Aviation requested that the OIG review the effectiveness of FAA’s oversight of air carrier maintenance programs.
Purpose. The audit is particularly concerned about whether corrective actions taken by air carriers actually address root causes of maintenance lapses and therefore focuses on assessing (1) FAA’s oversight of air carrier maintenance programs and (2) whether FAA considers factors such as mergers, rapid expansion, or cost-cutting initiatives when adjusting its oversight of air carrier maintenance programs.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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