Federal Audit Finds FAA Lacks Staff for United Airlines Oversight
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
A DOT OIG audit found the FAA lacks sufficient inspectors for United Airlines maintenance oversight, citing a 33% vacancy rate at the airline's CMO.
Key Takeaways
- •Cites a 33% vacancy rate at the FAA's dedicated United Airlines oversight office.
- •Finds only four inspectors are assigned to oversee United's 520+ Boeing 737s.
- •Reveals that nearly half of virtual inspections failed to observe over 50% of required items.
- •Follows several high-profile safety incidents involving the airline in 2024.
A federal review has concluded that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacks sufficient staffing to properly conduct safety oversight of United Airlines' maintenance operations. The audit, conducted by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG), found significant vacancies and resource gaps within the FAA office responsible for the carrier, which operates the world's largest mainline fleet.
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of federal oversight for one of the nation's largest airlines, particularly as the audit was initiated following several high-profile safety and maintenance-related incidents involving United aircraft in 2024. The report highlights systemic challenges within the FAA, including workforce planning and the ability to conduct thorough on-site inspections, which could have broader implications for the U.S. aviation industry.
Audit Findings Detail Staffing Gaps
The DOT OIG audit report, conducted between May 2024 and December 2025, identified critical shortages at the FAA's Certificate Management Office (CMO) specifically assigned to United Airlines. According to the report, the CMO had 33% of its authorized positions vacant as of July 2025. This staffing shortfall has a direct impact on the agency's ability to monitor the airline's fleet of 1,065 aircraft.
Inspectors face a considerable workload. The audit revealed that the United CMO has only four inspectors assigned to oversee the airline's fleet of more than 520 Boeing 737s. This resource constraint has forced the agency to alter its inspection protocols. The report found that when the FAA was unable to conduct required on-site inspections, front-line managers instructed inspectors to perform them virtually. This practice is contrary to official FAA guidance, which requires postponing inspections if on-site access is not possible.
A review of 33 such virtual inspection reports found that in nearly half of the cases, 50% or more of the required inspection questions were marked 'not observable'. This suggests that virtual methods are an inadequate substitute for the hands-on verification necessary for comprehensive maintenance oversight.
Systemic Oversight Challenges
The DOT OIG's findings point to long-standing issues within the FAA's oversight framework. The audit, officially titled "FAA's Oversight of United Airlines' Maintenance Practices Is Hindered by Inadequate Inspection Resources, Ineffective Workforce Planning, and Impediments to Accessing Air Carrier Data," noted a loss of institutional knowledge at the United CMO due to high turnover and persistent vacancies.
Furthermore, the report found that the FAA had not fully implemented five recommendations issued in a 2019 audit aimed at strengthening oversight of airline Safety Management Systems (SMS). An SMS is a formal, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk, and the audit noted that FAA inspectors were not adequately trained to evaluate the data generated by these complex systems.
These challenges are not unique to the agency's oversight of United. The DOT OIG has previously highlighted similar difficulties in FAA maintenance oversight at other major carriers, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Allegiant Air. The issue is also part of a broader staffing crisis at the agency; a June 2025 report from the National Academies detailed significant shortages of air traffic controllers, indicating a systemic workforce challenge.
Agency and Airline Response
In a formal letter included with the audit, the FAA stated it agreed with most of the report's recommendations. The agency committed to implementing "a more systemic approach to strengthen inspector capacity" and to take "other measures to ensure that staffing levels remain sufficient to meet surveillance requirements." The FAA had previously initiated a Certificate Holder Evaluation Process for United in March 2024 and increased its oversight presence at the airline's facilities following the series of safety events.
In a statement, United Airlines said it "works closely with the FAA on a daily basis" and "has long advocated in favor of providing the FAA with the resources it needs for its important work."
Why This Matters
This audit highlights a critical vulnerability in the U.S. aviation safety framework. It demonstrates that even with established procedures like Safety Management Systems, insufficient human resources at the regulatory level can undermine effective oversight of a major international airline. The findings place pressure on both Congress to provide adequate funding and the FAA to reform its workforce planning to ensure the safety of the flying public.
Get breaking commercial aviation news and expert airline analysis at flying.flights. For airline finances, mergers, and industry strategy, visit the Business category at flying.flights/business.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
Visit ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Nigeria Considers Foreign Carrier Curbs to Boost Local Airlines
Nigeria is reportedly considering restricting foreign airline access to its primary hubs to foster growth for domestic carriers in international markets.
EASA Issues New Maintenance Directive for Airbus BelugaXL Fleet
EASA has issued a new airworthiness directive for the Airbus A330-743L BelugaXL fleet, mandating updated structural integrity inspection schedules.
CBI Seeks to Close Air India Aircraft Leasing Irregularities Case
India's CBI has filed a closure report in the Air India aircraft leasing case, concluding no criminal intent was found in the long-running investigation.
US Airlines Fear EU-Wide Impact from Dublin Airport Cap Ruling
US airlines warn an EU court ruling on Dublin's passenger cap could allow planners across the bloc to unilaterally restrict airport capacity.
House Rejects ROTOR Act Mandating Aircraft Locator Systems
The U.S. House failed to pass the ROTOR Act, a bill requiring collision avoidance systems on all aircraft following last year's fatal midair collision.
US Eliminates 10% Tariff on Brazilian Aircraft Exports After Court Ruling
The US has eliminated a 10% tariff on Brazilian aircraft, a move that levels the playing field for manufacturer Embraer against its global competitors.