"American Airlines Pilots Raise Alarm Over Surge in Safety Concerns"

American Airlines' pilots union has reported a "significant spike" in safety issues, citing problematic trends such as fewer routine aircraft inspections and shorter test flights on planes following major maintenance work. The union highlighted incidents of tools and items being left in wheel wells and sterile areas around planes parked at airport gates. The airline has increased the time between routine inspections and ended overnight maintenance checks unless a plane is flagged for special attention. The pilots union has raised concerns with the company and management's initial response was encouraging, while American Airlines stated it has a robust safety program in collaboration with the FAA and unions.