US audit finds gaps in the FAA’s oversight of United Airlines maintenance

FAA Oversight of United Airlines Maintenance Hampered by Staffing Issues, Audit Reveals

Federal safety regulators’ ability to properly oversee aircraft maintenance at United Airlines has been significantly compromised due to staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and inappropriate use of virtual inspections, according to a government watchdog audit released Friday.

The U.S. Transportation Department’s inspector general found that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacks the necessary personnel and workforce planning strategies to effectively monitor United’s extensive fleet operations. This latest report follows similar audits that identified comparable oversight challenges with other major carriers including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Allegiant Air.

When approached for comment, the FAA directed inquiries to their official response letter included in the audit report. In the letter, the agency acknowledged the findings and committed to implementing “a more systemic approach to strengthen inspector capacity” and ensuring “staffing levels remain sufficient to meet surveillance requirements.” The agency agreed to address most recommendations by year’s end.

The audit, conducted between May 2024 and December 2025, coincided with several high-profile maintenance-related incidents at United Airlines. Among the key findings was the revelation that FAA personnel sometimes conducted “virtual” inspections due to staffing or travel funding constraints, despite agency policy requiring on-site reviews. The report warns that remote inspections create significant safety risks as inspectors may miss or incorrectly identify maintenance issues.

“Inspectors we spoke with stated that their front-line managers instructed them to perform inspections virtually rather than postponing inspections,” the report noted, highlighting a concerning deviation from established protocols.

The audit further detailed how persistent staffing shortages in FAA inspection offices responsible for United’s oversight have resulted in fewer completed inspections, limited surveillance capability, and an “overall loss of institutional knowledge” – factors that collectively undermine the agency’s regulatory effectiveness.

The inspector general recommended several corrective measures, including reevaluating staffing regulations, conducting an independent workplace survey of inspector workloads and office culture, and improving training for accessing and analyzing United’s safety data. The report specifically noted that current limitations in accessing and interpreting this data prevent inspectors from comprehensively evaluating maintenance issues and identifying safety risk trends.

In response to the findings, United Airlines issued a statement emphasizing its daily cooperation with the FAA and its implementation of internal safety management systems. “United has long advocated in favor of providing the FAA with the resources it needs for its important work,” the carrier said.

The audit’s timing is particularly significant given recent safety incidents involving United aircraft. In March 2024, passengers had to evacuate a United plane that veered off a runway after landing in Houston. The following day, a United jetliner bound for Japan lost a tire during takeoff from San Francisco, though it later landed safely in Los Angeles. In December 2025, another United flight experienced engine failure during takeoff from Dulles International Airport before returning safely.

These incidents have intensified scrutiny of both United’s maintenance practices and the FAA’s oversight capabilities during a period of significant growth and operational challenges in commercial aviation. Industry analysts note that staffing challenges extend beyond the FAA to the broader aviation sector, which has struggled with workforce retention and recruitment following pandemic-related disruptions.

The findings reinforce ongoing concerns about the FAA’s resource allocation and capacity to fulfill its safety mandate across an increasingly complex commercial aviation landscape. As air travel continues to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, the ability of regulatory agencies to maintain rigorous oversight remains a critical safety consideration for the traveling public.