The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21) prohibits discrimination against employees of U.S. air carrier industry and U.S. manufacturers who report information related to air carrier safety.
Who is covered under the AIR21 Whistleblower Protection Program?
Only employees of U.S. air carriers and U.S. aircraft/component manufacturers, their contractors, and their sub-contractors are covered 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 the 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.
Last updated: Tuesday, June 28, 2022