Airline Whistleblower Archives

ARB Decision Underscores the Broad Scope of Whistleblower Protection for Airline Employees

The Department of Labor Administrative Board’s decision in Bondurant v. Southwest Airlines underscores the broad scope of whistleblower protection for airline employees under the AIR21 whistleblower protection law. Bondurant brought a claim under AIR21 alleging that Southwest terminated his employment in response to concerns he raised about violations of FAA rules. A DOL administrative law judge … Continued

Pilot Prevails in AIR21 Whistleblower Retaliation Claim

In an unpublished decision, the Fifth Circuit affirmed pilot Roger Luder’s win in his AIR21 whistleblower claim against Continental Airlines. The decision in Cont’l Airlines, Inc. v. Admin. Review Bd. underscores the broad scope of whistleblower protection for employees in the airline industry. Summary of Facts As Luder was preparing to pilot an aircraft on the … Continued

FAA and OSHA Enter into Agreement to Strengthen Enforcement of AIR21 Whistleblower Protection Law

The FAA and OSHA have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate coordination and cooperation concerning enforcement of the AIR21 whistleblower protection law. The DOL and FAA both play a critical role in enforcing the whistleblower protection provision of AIR21. FAA has responsibility to investigate complaints related to air carrier safety and has authority under … Continued

OSHA Orders Pilot Reinstated in Airline Whistleblower Case

Today OSHA ordered Air Methods Corp., the largest U.S. provider of air medical transportation services, to reinstate a pilot that Air Methods terminated in retaliation for his refusal to fly a helicopter with a faulty emergency locator. OSHA also ordered Air Methods to pay $158,000 in lost pay and $8,500 in damages, and remove disciplinary … Continued