Aviation Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in the fight for accountability and a fairer and safer world. The cultures of profit over people and corruption must be deterred and brought to light.
Aviation Whistleblowers
Knowles Law Firm is involved in representing numerous airline industry whistleblower claims, including several employees of The Boeing Company, who have alleged violations of Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations, raised serious safety and quality concerns, and faced retaliation for speaking up.
The FAA has substantiated many of these complaints.
What Is An Airline Whistleblower?
An airline industry whistleblower is an employee who provides knowledge and details of an air carrier safety violation to their employer and/or government entity, such as in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or other government oversight entity in their country.
is a whistleblower protected
From Retaliation?
Retaliation against whistleblowers is illegal.
The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, a law known as AIR-21, makes it illegal for air carriers, contractors, or subcontractors to discharge or discriminate against employees as a response to their “protected activities.”
The reporting of FAA regulations on airplane safety is protected conduct under AIR-21.
What Are Protected Activities?
- Providing, causing to be provided, or being about to provide to the employer or the Federal Government information relating to any violation or alleged violation of any order, regulation, or standard of the Federal Aviation Administration or any other provision of Federal law relating to air carrier safety;
- Filing, causing to be filed, or being about to file a proceeding relating to any violation or alleged violation of any order, regulation, or standard of the Federal Aviation Administration or any other provision of Federal law relating to air carrier safety;
- Testifying or being about to testify in such a proceeding; or
- Assisting or participating or being about to assist or participate in such a proceeding.
What is Considered Retaliation?
You have been retaliated in violation of your federally protected rights to take action for the concern of the safety of the flying public if you reported or were about to report violations under AIR-21 and have been
- Threatened
- Demoted
- Harassed
- Coerced
- Intimidated
- Blacklisted
- Discriminated
- Restrained from acting
- Contructively discharged
- Discharged
- Terminated
An airline industry whistleblower has protections to assist in the quest that profits over safety do not prevail
What if I suffer Retaliation?
Aviation whistleblowers who suffer retaliation can file a complaint with the Department of Labor under AIR-21 to seek the following remedies:
- Reinstatement
- Lost Wages and Benefits
- Emotional Distress
- Reputational harm
- Attorney' fees and costs
- Justice and accontability
How to file an Air 21 CLAIM?
An AIR-21 complaint must be filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within 90 days of when the whistleblower knew or should have known about the retaliatory action. OSHA has the responsibility to investigate employee complaints of retaliation and discrimination and may order a violator to take affirmative action to stop the violation, reinstate employees to their former position with back pay, and award financial compensation, including attorney fees.
If you are an airline industry employee who stood up against violations and was fired or suffered retaliation as a result of making a complaint under AIR-21, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages.
Knowles Law Firm believes whistleblowing is a path to expose corruption, bribery, and fraud that endangers the public, the environment, and democracy.
We constantly investigate allegations of fraud, misconduct, bribery, and other deceptive practices. Contact us to talk through your situation and any potential legal options you may have.
If you are aware of fraud, bribery, or other legal violations and would like to know about being a Whistleblower, you may contact us by phone at
Contact us for inquiries
Knowles Law Firm, PC will advocate for your rights.
United States
768 St. Andrews Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407 USA
Netherlands
WTC The Hague Business Center Princes Margrietplantsoen 33 2595 AM The Hague, Netherlands