17 NOV: United Airlines management has reacted angrily to claims by its pilots that poor training is causing safety problems.
In a 105-page report issued on Tuesday, the United branch of the US Air Line Pilots Association says learning new flying procedures is a big adjustment.
But the airline is using computer slideshows for training, instead of simulator or classroom time.
The report says pilots on two flights were so distracted by new procedures that an alarm indicating wheels had not been lowered went off just seconds before landing.
Other planes had taxiied across runways without permission because crews were distracted trying to complete post-landing checklists.
But United management says the union’s claims are baseless and part of an attempt to influence contract negotiations.
It said the union "has a history of taking steps to disrupt the operations of the airline."
