Register

FAA Issues Watchdog Rule for FAA Inspectors

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has enacted a new rule prohibiting its inspectors from working for airlines they previously oversaw for a two-year "cooling-off" period after leaving the agency.
  • This rule aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure aviation safety inspectors remain focused on public protection.
  • The regulation stems from a past incident involving Southwest Airlines' failure to conduct required safety inspections, where an FAA office was found to have an "overly collaborative relationship" with the airline.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The FAA last week issued a final rule intended to prevent FAA inspectors from working for the airlines they previously oversaw for two years after they leave the agency. The rule applies to FAA personnel who had oversight responsibility over the airlines (as well as over fractional providers and other firms that offer commercial air service.)

Such rules have been enacted in other sectors, most notably in lobbying and finance.

Isabel Goyer

A commercial pilot, Isabel Goyer has been flying for more than 40 years, with hundreds of different aircraft in her logbook and thousands of hours. An award-winning aviation writer, photographer and editor, Ms. Goyer led teams at Sport Pilot, Air Progress and Flying before coming to Plane & Pilot in 2015.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE