Had Been Terminated In 2016 After Complaining About Possible FAA Violations By His Employer

A pilot who was fired in 2016 for alleging FAA violations by his employer has been reinstated by OSHA.

The had been flying for Jet Logistics Inc. and New England Life Flight Inc., doing business as Boston MedFlight from Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA. He was terminated after he contacted the FAA about possible violations of the agency's crew rest rules. He had refused two flight assignments because he believed the schedule did not give him adequate time between flights.

Businessinsurance.com reports that OSHA conducted an investigation into the allegations, and concluded that he was terminated for reporting safety concerns, which is prohibited under federal law.

The employer was ordered to reinstate the pilots, clear his personnel file of any reference to the investigation, and pay the pilot $133,616.09 in back wages and interest, $100,000 in compensatory damages, reasonable attorney fees and to refrain from retaliating against the employee. The employers must also post a notice informing all employees of their whistleblower protections under federal law.

In a statement released to the press Galen Blanton, OSHA Boston-area regional administrator, said the pilot "should be commended — not penalized — for raising legitimate safety concerns that can affect him, his co-workers and the general public,” Galen Blanton, OSHA Boston-area regional administrator, said in a press statement.

Boston MedFlight is appealing OSHA’s decision. The company said in an email to the publication the individual "was not an employee of ours. We contest and disagree with facts stated in the decision. We address any safety concern raised with the greatest sense of urgency.”

FMI: Original report