Audit Finds FAA Lacks Staffing to Properly Oversee United Airlines Maintenance

Government watchdog report cites virtual inspections, staffing shortages, and loss of institutional knowledge as issues hindering FAA oversight.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A government audit has found that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacks sufficient staffing and resources to effectively monitor maintenance operations at United Airlines. The report cites issues such as the use of virtual inspections instead of on-site reviews, staffing shortages leading to fewer inspections, and an overall loss of institutional knowledge about United's maintenance practices.

Why it matters

The findings raise concerns about the FAA's ability to ensure the safety of United's large fleet of aircraft, especially in light of recent incidents involving United planes rolling off runways and losing tires during takeoff. Proper FAA oversight is crucial to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry.

The details

The U.S. Transportation Department's inspector general audit, conducted between May 2024 and December 2025, found that the FAA sometimes had its personnel conduct inspections 'virtually' when it lacked staffing or funding for travel, even though agency policy requires postponing reviews that can't be done on-site. The report also found ongoing staffing shortages at the FAA inspection offices tasked with United's oversight, resulting in fewer inspections, limited surveillance of United's maintenance operations, and an 'overall loss of institutional knowledge'.

  • In March 2024, passengers had to be evacuated from a United plane that rolled off a runway after landing in Houston.
  • The next day, a United jetliner bound for Japan lost a tire while taking off from San Francisco but later landed safely in Los Angeles.
  • In December 2025, a United flight experienced an engine failure during takeoff from Dulles International Airport before safely returning to the airport.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

United Airlines

A major American airline with a large fleet of aircraft that the FAA is tasked with overseeing.

U.S. Transportation Department's Inspector General

The government watchdog agency that conducted the audit on the FAA's oversight of United Airlines.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The FAA has agreed to implement the recommendations from the audit, including reevaluating staffing rules, conducting an independent workplace survey of inspector workloads and office culture, and improving training on accessing and using United's safety data.

The takeaway

This audit highlights the critical need for the FAA to have sufficient resources and staffing to effectively oversee the maintenance operations of major airlines like United. Without proper oversight, safety risks could increase, as evidenced by the recent incidents involving United planes. Addressing these staffing and resource challenges will be crucial for the FAA to fulfill its mandate of ensuring aviation safety.