FAA Inspector Sues United for $12.75M Over Safety Retaliation

Federal Aviation Safety Inspector Paul Asmus filed a civil lawsuit against United Airlines on Jan. 30, 2026, in U.S. District Court in San Jose, seeking $12.75 million in damages and reversal of a lifetime travel ban. The inspector alleges retaliation for reporting safety violations during a May 12, 2022, flight from San Francisco to Lihue, Hawaii.

The dispute began when Asmus photographed a torn seatback pocket that impaired safety card access and observed a passenger standing during pushback. The flight returned to the gate following his observations, but United subsequently banned Asmus and sought restitution for gate delays. A Department of Transportation Administrative Law Judge later dismissed an FAA penalty action against the inspector, ruling he was engaged in required safety reporting duties.

Asmus argues the ban creates a chilling effect on safety reporting within the aviation industry. United Airlines reportedly refused to lift the ban despite the regulatory ruling, prompting the January lawsuit. The case remains pending as it heads toward a jury trial.