American Airlines Pilots Raise Alarm Over Safety Shortcuts After Maintenance

American Airlines pilots union reported a "significant spike" in safety issues, including fewer routine inspections and shorter test flights after maintenance
Union cited problematic trends like tools left in wheel wells and items left in sterile airport gate areas
American has increased time between routine inspections and ended overnight checks unless plane needs special attention
American now does "abbreviated" test flights after major maintenance or long-term storage
Union raised concerns with airline management and was initially encouraged by the response