Says The Airline Is Systematically Targeting Older Pilots

A former pilot for Allegiant Airlines has filed a lawsuit against the carrier claiming he was fired due to his age.

The pilot is Charles E. Roberts. His age and address are not listed in the complaint, according to a report appearing on tampabay.com. He had flown for Allegiant for seven years.

In the court papers filed in Hillsborough (FL) Circuit Court, Roberts said he was the target of "unwarranted discipline" and ridicule by the carrier's management. He was required to complete "upgraded training" which he says caused him to be passed over for promotions and pay raises.

Roberts claims in the suit that a training scheduler told him that the airline was "riding him out the door" because it was attempting to "get rid of the old ones." The suit further alleges that a supervisor told a simulator instructor to fail him.

"Such treatment was made for the purpose of replacing pilots over 40 years of age … with significantly younger, less-experienced pilots," the suit said.

In the papers, Roberts says he was told he was doing well with the training, but the airline's actions were "targeted to achieve his discharge."

It goes on to state that he had been given negative work evaluations and other employees over 40 were also "targeted."

FMI: https://fl-hillsboroughcounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=179