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Report Finds FAA Ignores Many Whistleblower Complaints

A Seattle Times investigation found that the agency dismissed 40 percent of safety complaints it received.

A 777 is joined together at Boeing’s assembly plant in Everett, Washington. [Credit: Boeing/ file photo]
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Key Takeaways:

  • A *Seattle Times* report revealed that the FAA dismisses the vast majority of whistleblower complaints, particularly concerning Boeing, with over 90% from 2020-2023 ending with no violation found.
  • Out of 728 complaints between 2020-2023, only about 8.5% resulted in violation findings, and nearly 40% were dismissed before reaching the fact-finding stage.
  • Complaints are often dismissed for reasons such as lacking sufficient information or repeating existing allegations, raising questions about the potential merit of many uninvestigated claims.
  • The FAA has disputed parts of the report, stating it investigates more complaints than claimed and that its Office of Audit and Evaluation is more independent.
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A new Seattle Times report took a deep dive into whistleblower complaints concerning the FAA and Boeing, finding that the agency dismisses the majority of complaints it receives.

Looking at data from 2020-2023, the report found that more than 90 percent of safety complaints ended with no violation found by the FAA.

Amelia Walsh

Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.

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