Overview
- An inspector general audit released Friday found the FAA unit overseeing United had about 33% of positions vacant and suffered high turnover.
- Inspectors were directed in some cases to conduct virtual inspections instead of postponing on-site reviews required by policy, increasing the risk of missed issues.
- The report said inspectors lacked consistent access to United’s safety-management data, and some did not realize they could request those records.
- The watchdog issued six recommendations covering clearer rules on delaying inspections, revised staffing models and workload planning, and expanded training and data access.
- The FAA, in a letter included with the audit, agreed with most recommendations and committed to systemic staffing and surveillance changes by the end of the year.