Senate Commerce Committee Releases Fact Sheet Of Preliminary Findings

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) (pictured), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has released a fact sheet highlighting information the committee received from whistleblowers alleging misconduct by managers working for the FAA in the Hawaii Flight Standards District Office.

This initial whistleblower, an FAA employee, alleged that FAA managers too frequently overrode the recommendations of inspectors, hampering the ability of inspectors to conduct effective oversight. The whistleblower also alleged that at least one manager issued improper check ride certifications. The whistleblower indicated that his/her knowledge was indirect but well known by local employees and representatives of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialist (PASS) union.

On January 24, 2020, Wicker sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General Calvin Scovel to express concern and request a thorough investigation into the allegations received from the whistleblower employed by the FAA in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“These preliminary findings are part of the committee’s ongoing investigation regarding aviation safety. It is important that we consider all evidence from whistleblowers as we conduct comprehensive and thorough oversight," Senator Wicker said of the release of the fact sheet. "We will continue to pursue vigorously any and all issues related to ensuring that our airspace is as safe as possible.”

(Source: Senate Commerce Committee news release)

FMI: www.commerce.senate.gov
Fact Sheet