The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which represents over 23,000 American flight attendants, said the decision to seek mediation is intended to move contract negotiations forward. The pilot if he had nothing to hide should have taken the drug test. Airlines are hiring at faster rates than ever before. Hopefully this pilot gets $2,000,000 for AA, Eulen America and $4,000,000 from the FAA who was acting as AA's Beyotch. This is a misscarige of justice Shame on AA for not throughly looking into this so carelessly and now this man's career is ruined. It could have stopped the infamous Christopher Duntsch in Dallas, TX, amongst others operating under the influence. Victim shame much? A memo from Chief of Operations John Laughter says details will be unveiled March 5 and COVID-19-idled pilots can expect a busy summer of training and refreshers. October 2021 - Southwest Pilot application window will Open Oct 1-10! but rather should have given the tester time to check the paperwork and get it straightened out. * Failure to maintain flying standards or failure of a . And for Mike Bolton, you botched the history of Hostess. The grievance and the civil suit will establish whether there is liability for American and Eulen America, the ground services company that employed the woman who mistakenly notified him that he should be tested. Eulen is the preferred contractor that American Airlines utilized for many services from logistics and ground support to drug testing notification, despite its obviously lackluster performance., This fight will continue as APA shifts its focus to now assisting this pilot through representation in the pending wrongful termination grievance and by offering support in his civil court action, Sicher said. Isnt it possible he is partially to blame. Three Sun Country fleet employees have claimed the airline fired them in retaliation for their support of a union approved in January. Many services and employees were transferred to Eulen in advance of the American Airlines bankruptcy, wrote Sicher, himself a Miami-based pilot. DeWitt Ingram, I stand in solidarity with you. August 2021 - As a PSA pilot, youll be part of a growing, close-knit, passionate team flying exclusively for American Airlines. The Eulen America employee is an idiot. At least that seems like a good way to cover your rear. Now, of course in retrospect, I think its worth acknowledging that there might have been a better way to handle this. Due to my license being on the line anytime someone said random test I always ask am I on the list. The U.S. rail company in the memo noted that many employees have expressed apprehension about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Alleged negative voice mails are nothing more than harassment. Whatever the outcome, Ingram will never fly for American again. A judge ruled that the FAA illegally revoked his license, and he can now proceed with suing both the airline and the company behind the drug test. August 2021 - Pilots who choose to join Piedmont Airlines exceptional aviation team can earn over $180,000 in bonuses as part of an unprecedented recruitment and retention package and have a guaranteed job at American Airlines under a company flow program. I would have asked to see the paperwork and the name to verify. Running out of money when retirement is 2 years away, as a pilot means you made some bad decisions. and not the employee. So the union's hands were tied. So even if he got his job back he couldn't work without that license. All birthdays , Holidays, graduations missed in order to fulfil our job responsabilities. And that's what scares me. While this incident happened over two years ago, details are only now emerging, as this case is being heard in court, where Ingram is getting some vindication. Did the contractor just pronounce the name incorrectly (I could see how David could sound like DeWitt), or was the name verified in writing, and didnt match? Starting in January 2022, they will be hiring 200 per month. Then the Federal Aviation Administration revoked his pilot license. But yeah he should have stuck around and just said what's the last name why is no one talking about what's the last name you're looking for that would have cleared it up immediately but that's what happens when you contract out something that's so damn important a drug test is so important You can lose your job and career over this and they contracted out to save a buck It's a shame on American to do that You want to contract out work all the ramp out there and mechanics and all that kind of stuff fine but contracting out someone doing a drug test on someone's career no they couldn't pronounce the name right but he should have said what's the last name you're looking for He took advantage of that but Americans wrong for contracting this out in the beginning, So sad he should get all back pay he is not guilty until proven aa should have better known guy with 21 years service no bed record both aa and drug testing companies must pay up and get his license back. When people comment that he has used up his savings perhaps they are forgetting something. April 8, 2021 - Before the Covid pandemic hit, airlines were preparing for a wave of pilot retirements, which are federally mandated when pilots reach age 65. As a student pilot my ground school instructor wouldn't have endorsed my flight log book nor would my CFI risk his safety or license had he suspected drug use after 50 hours of flight time. JetBlue pilots inspire teamwork and take pride in making values-based decisions in the air and on the ground. What about shareholders? Delta Air Lines, Inc (NYSE: DAL) pilots approved a new deal that provides a 34% pay boost over a four-year agreement, setting a potential example as other U.S. carriers and their pilots' unions . The airline contractor clearly asked for a specify person. Does any employee have the duty to inquire further? April 2021 - American Airlines plans to resume hiring pilots this fall, the carrier told aviators on Tuesday, as a rebound in demand prompts airlines to rethinking their future staffing. Random testing is enabled through a notification process whereby a notifier directly approaches the pilot and notifies him by name. Mager wrote. I have been accused of being over cautious. June 2021 - American Airlines Group Inc. dropped about 1% % of its scheduled daily flights for July after a faster-than-expected surge in summer travel led to crew shortages. No free government lawyer here. A company that fired a pilot for refusing to fly in marginal weather conditions, will now have to pay him almost $2 million in damages. Botched a drug test for Dimwit, picked a wrong time to be @Mike The judge quickly struck down the FAAs case. Two months later, American fired him. Sounds a little too fishy on (THAT) part. In August 2020, Ingram, 64, became trapped in a nightmarish scenario involving a botched attempt by an employee of a ground services. The increases would make the pilots the highest paid of the U.S. regional airlines, ramping up pressure on other carriers to follow suit. But I experienced the worst racial harassment in my 40 +years in the aviation industry there. American Airlines and the FAA essentially took the stance that his failure to complete the test constituted a refusal, while the pilot repeatedly and consistently insisted that he had never been notified that he was selected for a random test, since the contractor said it was for someone named David.. An employee for Eulen America, the ground services company that does drug testing for American Airlines, asked the flight attendant at the door for a pilot named David.. Two months later, he was fired from the airline, and even had his license revoked by the FAA. The airline plans to hire 120 pilots in 2022 Avelos announcement follows moves by fellow ULCC startup Breeze Airways, as well as March 22, 2021 - CNBCs Jon Fortt discusses the potential for a post-pandemic pilot shortage with Geoff Murray, partner at Oliver Wyman and former commercial airline pilot. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. He needed to keep a level head even though he was obviously affronted this demand. Maybe he was sick, or a family member was sick, and it cost a fortune cancer treatment, is upwards of 300k. He was combative with other crew, passengers and airline staff and ultimately failed the drug test and was fired by the airline. The board vote was 17 to 2, with one person abstaining. Does the pilot deserve this, probably not. You will train at the American Airlines Flight Training Center in Charlotte, North Carolina and flow to American in seniority order. I got it back, but it took a few years, and in the end the FAA had to give me my retirement time lost and seniority back. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are stranded as the airlines and most media lie as to the reason. Anyone in the transportation field needs to have random drug and alcohol testing. Seems like the guy giving the drug test should have double checked on the name by looking at a ID makes more sense to me. The Pilot conducts flight operations in strict compliance with company policies, procedures, and federal regulations. I would not have just kept walking. The fleet additions, which also include another 24 MAX aircraft for 2023, will enable the carrier to manage the surge in travel demand it expects to see over the next two years. The FAA never contacted My CFI, never did a background check or contacted the flight MD who issued my medical license. Pilots who start training and building their hours now will be among the most competitive. Ingram needs to be made whole for the loss of his earnings, the loss of his license, and the abuse he was administered.. While the two sides have met regularly over the past few months, APFA . It's probably not the first time someone pronounces his name as David and he's probably annoyed by that. Well see how the employees take to it. DeWitt Ingram joined American Airlines predecessor MetroJet in 1999. High Experience Bonus, $15,000 for those with at least 1,000 hours of qualified FAR 121 experience or $10,000 for those with at least 750 hours of qualified FAR 121 experience. Kyle Arnold. @Mike I completely agree and that is exactly what I said. Whether AA crew members have the "right" to ask for the paperwork, I don't know, but if there wasn't even a full name given - which might have reduced the chance of confusion in a poor pronunciation - then it is hard to argue that the pilot was at fault. It's probably not the first time someone pronounces his name as David and he's probably annoyed by that. A pilot with a social media following for his anti-vaccine views has gone viral for attacking his airline's mandate on employees getting the coronavirus shot. According to an internal memo, FedEx to no longer require pilots to have a 4-year degree to apply, and hire 70 pilots per month for the "foreseeable future". I hope the pilot gets a nice settlement. January 2021 - FedEx reports it will hire 52 pilots a month until their staffing needs are met. A company full of hate for each other and its customers . How do you know he wasn't recently divorced, and lost everything? Focus on the story. American Airlines reports they are "investigating" a pilot for his comments on social media and on a podcast about a diversity curriculum for his local Dallas-area school district. First off, his savings and how quickly he blew through it, not for me to comment. He will be well compensated for both mistakes SHAME SHAME SHAME on you AA, Monica: "What kind of loves are pilots living". This man has not been treated fairly by a company he worked for 32 years. We are opening our application window again! All Rights Reserved. Written by Chris. That's how people's lives get ruined by people not doing their job right. You make wild assumptions with zero info. The union has a choice; back the unvaxxed pilots and demand an end to vaccine mandates or strike. I've been exactly there. Sooo disappointed. As for the pilot's situation, if not employed in ground services, most of these barely educated individuals would be flipping burgers at a Scottish restaurant. The airline, I suppose, could have simply suspended the pilot from flying and then investigated to determine whether the pilot bore zero fault or partial fault in not getting the situation cleared up in the moment. As for the drug test & everything else, my theory: First off, the contractor stated it was a refusal, so did he talk to the captain and state the name was wrong but wanted to drug test him because he was First off, the contractor stated it was a refusal, so did he talk to the captain and state the name was wrong but wanted to drug test him because he was the captain, and he said no and walked off? To that extent, the airline will be opening up positions for roughly 120 pilots. In 2000, a ramp agent took the picture above of him at Palm Beach International Airport. How is it that the contract employee stated the wrong name, ("David"), but was able to report the correct name as having refused the drug test? April 2021 - CommuteAir, a United Express carrier, announced it will offer a fast-track hiring process for ATP Flight School students, strengthening CommuteAirs partnership with ATP as the airline continues growing. How is it possible that a pilot not only gets fired but has his license revoked by the FAA over what amounts to a miscommunication? Sounds like typical AA management to meinept. Ive exhausted my 401K and sold stock and two cars to survive. It's the dirtiest of business practices. Scares the CR** out of me. We understand these concerns and encourage everyone to consult with a medical professional and seek out facts from reputable sources, William Flynn, Amtraks chief executive officer, wrote in the memo. The 2 most addictive substance is still not regulated anywhere. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Ive lived in Miami long enough to have a decent guess of what actually happened here. The airline intends to open the pilot application window soon with the aim of re-starting hiring that was frozen during the pandemic by July, provided passenger demand recovers, the spokeswoman said, confirming a report from sources. This man has not been treated fairly by a company he worked for 32 years. I'm 22 and on my way to become a professional pilot, I have gotten most ratings done, and also an associates degree. All info is printed on a form with labels to place on 2 specimen cups and a signature is required. Crazy. There is no mistaking the patient. January 2021 - FedEx hired 36 pilots in January. Odds are the person pronounced Dewitt as David (we have no info on that person, may or may not have an accent) and the guy took advantage of the situation. AA should fired ALL upper Management's in turn, from CEO to the lowest supervisor who had to do with this injustice. No regional airline gets pilots to a major airline faster. There are 3 checkmarks. An additional identifying detail usually asked from a person who is asked to submit to a blood test is the date of birth. The carrier plans to hire 10,000 new pilots by the end of the decade and a total of 25,000 new employees by 2026. I received a warning for this incident, even though I was clearly not on opiods! I hate these Big Companies like America who take Government money but treat the staff as non human sham on American hope he gets MILLIONS, I am glad that this man took the steps to fight for himself because a lot of big companys dont give a dam about anything or anybody else because they are making there millions , This man was a vigilant worker and spent many years as a excellent pilot with never a problem or being written up for any indiscretions and at 65 I doubt that he would start then , Blessings to you and I hope you get reimbursed every penny and more Sincerely Donna Our. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. I think AA failed to notify the pilot properly and clearly. This has been in court for over two years. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. I've been on the receiving end of having my ATC license taken away for medical reasons because of the FAA's archaic and behind the times rules. Be careful what you eat! I've duked it out with their lawyers. He needed to keep a level head even though he was obviously affronted this demand. Maybe if the contractor's mistake is not asking for dimwit to take the test. He just makes bad decisions. If the company doing the random drug testing for the airline can't get a pilot's name correct, why would you trust them to be able to get the chain of custody correct with your testing sample. Heres a case where someone got fired over a drug test situation, even though they had nothing to hide. Southwest is not the only carrier hiring pilots in 2021, but it is further evidence of the ongoing recovery in the American aviation industry. How I wish I could go back to 2000 and live in that picture and the simple life of joy and pride I once had, he said. In one hospital, theyre putting in nurses aides in place of nurses. Avelo Airlines on Thursday announced a significant raise for its pilots, becoming the fourth U.S. carrier in just two months to take action in an effort to attract more pilots The move comes two weeks after Avelo announced it had raised $42 million in a Series B funding round. Its been a long dark hole in the ground prison - alone and told repeatedly to never tell anyone so as to protect me.. Two American Airlines-owned regional carriers will hike pilot pay by 50% through the end of August 2024, the latest sign airlines are willing to pay up in hopes of ending a pilot shortage that has left some travelers with fewer flight options. Other airlines are planning the same type of walkouts. The Allied Pilots Association representing Americans pilots is already planning to start informational picketing campaigns next month at Miami International Airport, with more to come later at DFW International Airport and Charlotte. In a prepared statement, Scott Mager, Ingrams attorney, described the sequence of events that led to the case. He is a University of Washington graduate. American Airlines is also in the middle of negotiations with pilots over a new contract. I know of a pilot who worked for an airline and was selected for drug testing after an aborted take-off due to flaps not being set correctly. It opened up by new ownership who bought the name. * Sexual harassment. As a commercial truck driver I am subject to random drug and alcohol tests as well, so I understand the implications of refusal to test. My last name is frequently garbled, despite being pronounced exactly as written, and it takes only a few seconds to ask, "did you mean XYZ?" May 2022 - FedEx: No Degree Required and Hiring 70 Pilots Per Month. {{((ctrl.offer == 'pcgpdf' || ctrl.offer == 'acpp') && 'Get Your FREE Download') || (!ctrl.compactForm && ctrl.newlead.program.buttonText || 'Request More Info')}}, Atlas, FedEx and UPS Hired a Combined 91 Pilots in January of 2021, FedEx to No Longer Require Pilots To Have a 4-Year Degree To Apply, and Hire 70 Pilots per Month, Sun Country and Avelo Airlines Dramatically Increase First Year Pay Amid Pilot Shortage, United Parks 100 Regional Jets Due to a Pilot Shortage, Cirium: 2022 Air Passenger Capacity to Reach 2015 Levels. it isn't the responsibility of the innocent to prove their innocence. To be clear, The people hired to make check marks or spelled names barely speak English, and there they're pronunciation and/or or there Capacity to check the correct boxes Can be in question definitely. If you are not the person they are asking for & notified them as so, then continued on your way. American Airlines to Hire 440 Pilots by the End of 2021. April 2021 - United Airlines on Thursday told staff it will soon begin hiring hundreds of pilots a process the airline was forced to halt when coronavirus pandemic devastated travel demand last year, according to an internal email reviewed by CNBC. They should of made sure they were testing the right pilot! As for 'Sticking around' to 'Clarify' anything is a joke. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. Yes they pronounce the wrong name or said it wrong I think he knew it and just wanted to say hey they said the name wrong I'm leaving I'm going home to the hotel. "I'm looking for David. In 1954. I worked at AAL for 11 years. Employees will be required to submit proof of vaccination to Amtraks self-service portal. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart / Getty Images) AA and the drug testing company botched the entire testing procedure. Michael Haak, 60, apologized before US. The procedure is flawed if the paperwork isn't presented initially. His life finances have nothing to do with him being fired. DeWitt Ingram, a 21-year American pilot, wants his life back. Despite that, American Airlines fired him two months later, and the airline requested that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revoke his license. May 2021 - Offering a positive company culture, top pilot pay rates and career stability. Now he and the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American pilots, will pursue a third case, a grievance against American. They had to know who the pilot was that was to be tested. Hewitt should be reinstated with full compensation. I do not understand why they do not do more random drug tests in the medical field. Their heads are thick as a brick. As a DOT has not truck driver I can tell you whatever presented with a drug test request the employee requesting the test is giving a form with a typewritten name of the testy and other information which is there to verify their ID if you didn't have the form or the pilot didn't stop to look at the form and say this is not me then it can create a gray area in the As a DOT has not truck driver I can tell you whatever presented with a drug test request the employee requesting the test is giving a form with a typewritten name of the testy and other information which is there to verify their ID if you didn't have the form or the pilot didn't stop to look at the form and say this is not me then it can create a gray area in the matter of the lawsuit the pilot should have stopped ask to see the form verified it wasn't him and then moved on would have saved him a whole lot of trouble.