Wed, Nov 16, 2011
Circulate Report Critical Of The Airline's Safety On Capitol
Hill
A 101-page report critical of United Airlines is being passed
around Capitol Hill by pilots who fly for the carrier. The report,
which was prepared by ALPA, blasts the airline for its use of
computer-based training as the primary tool for teaching procedural
changes following the merger with Continental Airlines, and the
lack of classroom sessions or simulator time to reinforce the
computer training.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the union document
likens the situation to trying to learn a new trapeze routine by
reading about it on a computer.
The report contends that United crews are reporting
higher-than-normal rates of safety issues due to stress caused by
changes in the cockpit procedures. One pilot, for example,
allegedly nearly forgot to lower the landing gear on final
approach, according to the document. Others have reportedly failed
to properly follow taxi instructions, and some have removed
themselves from duty rosters because they felt they were not fit to
fly.
United Continental Holdings says the claims are "baseless", and
say the pilot's union is attempting to influence contract
negotiations with the document. A statement released by UCH Monday
said the union has a "history" of working to "disrupt the
operations of the airline."
The FAA approved the training program. It is still processing
the merged airline's application for a single operating
certificate. Continental had based its operating procedures on
Boeing manuals, and the United pilots are being forced to change
they way they have operated in the cockpit. FAA safety official
Petty Gilligan said she has reviewed the concerns expressed by the
United pilots, and that the programs are under careful review. "All
safety standards will be met," she said in response to a Union
letter sent to the agency in September.
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