United responds to FAA’s findings of deficiencies with ACTIONs reinforcing SAFETY CULTURE

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The FAA  issued several critiques about United Airlines after some safety incidents and an investigation by the agency inspectors. Here is a record of the major reports:

1. Safety Review: The FAA initiated a formal evaluation of United Airlines in March 2024 after a series of safety incidents. This review is nearly complete, according to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker¹.
2. Certification Activities: United had paused the certification of new aircraft and routes amid the FAA’s review. Although United announced plans to restart these activities, the FAA clarified that full approval has not yet been granted².
3. Proposed Fine: In February 2023, the FAA proposed a $1.1 million fine against United for allegedly not performing required maintenance checks on its Boeing 777 aircraft³.
4. Increased Oversight: The FAA has increased its oversight of United Airlines, which could potentially delay certification activities and impact the airline’s growth⁴.

For a mature company like United, its senior staff might easily take umbrage at such detailed findings of deficiencies. Instead of being defensive, the leadership recognized that safety culture must be more visible, especially as heard in the C-Suite’s interactions with all employees AND seen in the company’s investment in assets that reinforce training in this consciousness.

Here is evidence of United’s corporate response to the FAA’s findings:

United Airlines made a special announcement regarding pilot retraining. They are introducing a comprehensive retraining program aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency. This initiative includes:

• Advanced Simulator Training: Pilots will undergo additional sessions in state-of-the-art flight simulators to handle various emergency scenarios and improve decision-making skills.
• Updated Curriculum: The training curriculum has been updated to include the latest in aviation technology, regulations, and best practices.
• Focus on Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, the program includes modules on stress management and mental health support for pilots.
• Environmental Awareness: Training will also cover the environmental impact of aviation, including strategies to reduce carbon emissions and manage contrail formation.

Sources for these comments:

• United Expands World’s Largest Flight Training Center: United Airlines announced the expansion of their flight training center in Denver, which includes the addition of 12 new full-motion flight simulators and a new 150,000-square-foot building. This expansion supports their goal to train up to 240 more pilots per day¹.
• Inside United Airlines’ Flight Training Center: This article provides an in-depth look at United’s flight training center and their plans to hire 10,000 more pilots by 2030. It highlights the continuous training pilots undergo to remain certified, including practicing emergency procedures in simulators².
• United Aviate Program: United’s Aviate program aims to support their pilot training initiatives, including the completion of a $150 million renovation to support live training events³.

Below is another article about UA’s actions as to the training for their on-board safety team—flight attendants.

United Airlines Sets New Standards with Advanced Safety Training Center Near Washington Dulles

Saturday, August 31, 2024

United Airlines is expanding its training capabilities with a new facility near Washington Dulles International Airport, a significant hub for the airline. The new training center will be located at 14109 Park Meadow Drive in Chantilly, Virginia, just a few miles south of the airport. The 20,000-square-foot facility will cater to the training needs of flight attendants based at Dulles, Reagan National Airport, and BWI Marshall Airport, according to a report by the Washington Business Journal.

While United Airlines has not officially announced the new center, reports indicate that the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, mock airplane cabins, and aircraft door training stations. These features will allow the airline to SIMULATE REAL-LIFE EMERGENCY SCENARIOS AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES, ensuring that cabin crew members are well-prepared for any situation. The new center will mirror United’s other training facilities in Chicago and Houston, which have been instrumental in maintaining high safety and service standards.

Washington Dulles International Airport is a pivotal hub for United Airlines, where it has maintained a strong presence for over 50 years. United operates approximately 220 daily flights out of Dulles, including more than 130 United Regional operations. The airline connects Washington Dulles to a wide range of domestic and international destinations, including capital-to-capital flights worldwide. With over 5,500 employees in the Washington metro area, including a significant number of flight attendants, United serves around 7 million passengers annually at Dulles, averaging 19,000 daily.

United Airlines’ investment in the new training center underscores its commitment to rigorous training programs for its flight crew. This is part of a broader strategy to ENHANCE SAFETY and service quality across its operations. Earlier this year, United expanded its flight training center in Denver by adding 150,000 square feet, including six new flight simulators, making it the largest flight training center globally. The facility now houses 52 simulators and operates around the clock to accommodate the training needs of pilots and crew.

Additionally, United recently renovated its flight attendant training center in Houston, doubling its size at a cost of $32 million. These investments come amid a broader hiring push to support the airline’s growth, although United recently adjusted its hiring projections for 2024 from 13,000-15,000 new employees to around 10,000. In the first few months of this year, United added over 800 pilots and 600 flight attendants, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to building a skilled workforce.

With the new training center near Washington Dulles, United Airlines continues to solidify its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and exceptional service for its passengers.

GOOD NEWS

FAA head says safety review of United Airlines ‘almost finished’