Source: WIVB.com
The Associated Press and United Press International report on KMB client Christopher Monteleon and his whistleblower retaliation claims against the Federal Aviation Administration. Mr. Monteleon is an FAA inspector and a 40-year veteran with the aviation industry who alleges he was retaliated against when he complained to his FAA superiors about airline safety violations. As both news agencies report, Mr. Monteleon warned of problems with Colgan Air’s test flights of its first Bombardier Dash 8-Q400s in January 2008, the same make of plane as the one involved in Colgan’s deadly crash in February 2009. That crash killed 50 people, including one on the ground, as the plane approached Buffalo Niagara International Airport. After he complained about the safety issues he witnessed during Colgan’s test flights, Mr. Monteleon charges he was reassigned to a desk job and ordered to have no further contact with the airline.
Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) has released a statement demanding an investigation into Mr. Monteleon’s whistleblower retaliation claims. “This seems to be a classic whistle-blower case where a dedicated public servant’s actions might have saved 50 lives,” Schumer said. “There must be an immediate investigation to see if his allegations were true, and if they are, there must be immediate action on the part of the FAA to reform their procedures.”
Mr. Monteleon has filed a whistleblower complaint with the federal Office of Special Counsel, and the Transportation Department’s Office of Inspector General has interviewed him.
Related Links:
- Read WIVB-TV coverage of Schumer’s statement: FAA knew of possible airplane problems before 3407 crash
- Read The Buffalo News coverage of Schumer’s statement: FAA aided Colgan’s scheduling after inspector’s complaints
- Read the full UPI article: FAA inspector: Colgan test flights bad