The retaliation isn’t even the story here. Interference with delegated FAA responsibilities is, and the FAA should be handling it. Any type of delegation interference is a serious issue.
Regulatory capture, it’s a problem through the government. Decades ago U.S. regulatory agencies were well respected around the world, to the point where if a U.S. body approved something, many other countries automatically followed. Now they’re a joke, taking orders from the industries they are supposed to oversee.
Every time a regulator is hired by a company that they formerly regulated, there should be a full audit looking for any conflicts of interest in their entire time at the regulator. And charges on both sides of the bribery equation if any are found, including both the company itself and any employees, executives, and owners involved or who had knowledge of it and didn’t step forward.
And if the company has policies that make it less likely that evidence is found, then go after everyone who was involved in making or approving those policies.
I mean, yeah. But from someone in the industry, delegation is fucking huge and we wouldn’t fly without it.
Take my words for what they’re worth: not much. I’ve been a delegated source inspector for GE and I’ve dealt with delegated FAA peeps and auditors. Delegation is a big deal. You basically don’t work for your employer while you’re in a delegated role. The idea of either interfering or retaliating for delegated authority is insane. Especially with FAA delegation.
