A private aviation company in California was ordered to pay $958,000 for retaliating against a whistleblower by getting them fired from their new job.
OSHA ordered Pegasus Elite Aviation to pay $958,000 in back wages and costs to the whistleblower who had reported safety concerns that led to an onsite inspection.
After the inspection, Pegasus sent a false, negative Pilot Records Improvement Act report to the whistleblower’s new employer, leading to the whistleblower’s termination.
Investigators found Pegasus also provided false information to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that contributed to a decision to suspend the whistleblower’s pilot certificates.
The company is required to pay more than $898,000 in back wages and costs, $50,000 in emotional damages and $10,000 in attorney’s fees.
Pegasus must also send a letter of correction to the FAA and any employers who received false reports on the whistleblower.
