The Office of Special Counsel has chosen an air traffic controller in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport for its 2010 Public Servant award for disclosures of serious aviation safety hazards and public health risks.
Vincent M. Sugent made disclosures regarding air traffic control procedures and mold contamination in his tower, which later were largely substantiated by a Transportation Department investigation, OSC said. Among the disclosures were that managers directed the operation of an unsafe landing and departure configuration without ensuring appropriate spacing between aircraft and that they did not respond truthfully when asked by Congress about it. He also drew attention to inconsistent guidance and sinage affecting aircraft on taxiways.
The FAA has taken corrective and administrative action in response, said the OSC announcement about the award, which goes to recognize contributions made by federal whistleblowers who have either filed disclosures with FAA or have sought relief on grounds that they were retaliated against.
