Air Line Pilots Association, International v. Federal Aviation Administration

Petitioner Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) seeks review (49 U.S.C. § 1486 (1970)) of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) dismissal of petitioner’s complaint alleging violations by Mohawk Airlines of FAA regulations.

Two Mohawk pilots, on separate occasions, were disciplined (by 15-day suspensions) for refusing to fly a regularly scheduled flight. Their refusal was based on their claim that, in light of weather conditions and the inoperative condition of the BAC 1-11 aircraft’s autopilot, in their judgment the flight would be unsafe. There is no claim by the FAA that these refusals were…