The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21) prohibits discrimination against air carrier industry employees who report information related to air carrier safety.
Who may file under the AIR21 Whistleblower Protection Program?
Only inputs from employees of US air carriers, their contractors, and their subcontractors are accepted under the AIR21 Whistleblower Protection Program.
Other individuals should file complaints or safety reports using the FAA Hotline. FAA employees may either file complaints through the FAA Hotline or through the internal whistleblower program, if applicable.
What protection is provided under AIR21 Whistleblower Protection Program?
Individuals who are covered under AIR21 can file a complaint with the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for retaliation, discharge, or otherwise being discriminated against for providing information relating to air carrier safety violations to their employer or to the Federal Government. This includes testifying or assisting in a proceeding against the employer relating to a violation or alleged violation of any order, regulation, or standard of the Federal Aviation Administration or any other Federal law relating to air carrier safety.
NOTE: The FAA only investigates the alleged safety violation. OSHA investigates and rules on the actual job discrimination allegations.
About the AIR21 Whistleblower Protection Program
- Whistleblower Protection Program (Air Carrier) AC No. 120-81
- Public Law: Protection of Employees Providing Air Safety Information
To view this information on the FAA’s official website please click here…