Air Force Pilots Granted Whistleblower Status After Refusing to Fly Potentially Dangerous F-22s — But Are They Being Punished?
- Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:20pm by
Liz Klimas
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(Photo: Wikimedia/Air Force)
As recently as Feb. 2012, the one of the Air Force’s most expensive planes — the F-22 Raptor — was experiencing problems with its oxygen system, causing pilots to experience symptoms that included difficulty concentrating and blackouts. The plane has had a long history of problems with the system with 12 cases of hypoxia reported from 2008 through 2011. The plane was grounded twice last year for such issues.
(Related: What’s going on in F-22 fighters that’s causing pilots to choke, even blackout?)
The latest in the saga of the faulty system, which no one seems to be able to pinpoint exactly what is going wrong, is that two pilots have spoken out and refused to get back into the cockpit. They have been labeled as whistleblowers. But even with the protection that comes with that status, the Air Force is still reprimanding one of them for speaking out.
(Related: Air Force leader: Some pilots want to avoid the F-22)
Wired reports Capt. Josh Wilson and Maj. Jeremy Gordon with the Virginia Air National Guard are the only two pilots that publicly refused to get back in the planes. Gordon’s flight qualification has since expired, but Wired notes for Wilson whose career is younger, the Air Force has moved forward with disciplinary action that could ultimately bring it to a premature end, even though he is protected under federal law as a whistleblower. Here’s how Wired explains it:
The Air Force sent him a letter of reprimand that Frederick Morgan, the two pilots’ Ohio-based lawyer, says is just the first step in a potentially career-ending disciplinary process.
In addition to seeking legal counsel, Wilson and Gordon appealed to Rep. Adam Kinzinger, himself an Air Force pilot, for protection under the federal whistleblower law. Kinzinger and Sen. Mark Warner issued a letter Thursday urging the military not to mess with these pilots — or any others that bring up problems with the Raptor.
“We need to make sure there is a culture in which others feel safe coming forward,” Warner wrote.
The Air Force acknowledges the protected status. “Air Force leadership has made clear that the we are treating the pilots as whistleblowers,” service spokesman John Dorrian tells Danger Room.
Wilson and Gordon (Image: CBS 60 Minutes)
CBS 60 Minutes reported Sunday that the Wilson and Gordon are two of 22 pilots qualified to fly the plane, but they may not be the only ones who have chose to stop flying — just the only ones publicly. Here’s more from 60 Minutes on the conditions the men experienced while flying the plane:
Gordon and Wilson are among the F-22 pilots who have experienced the low-oxygen condition called hypoxia, which the Air Force speculates may be caused by a problem in the pilots’ oxygen system. “This is something strapped to my face under which I have no control of what’s coming through that tube, which means there may be a point when I don‘t have control over myself when I’m flying,” he tells Stahl. Asked by Stahl whether the plane was safe to fly, Gordon replies, “I’m not comfortable answering that question. I’m not comfortable flying in the F-22 right now.” He points to the danger of hypoxia. “The onset of [hypoxia] is insidious. Some pilots will go the entire mission, land and not know anything went wrong,” he tells Stahl, relating the time a pilot finished a mission unaware he had hit a tree in-flight.
Wilson describes his battle to overcome his hypoxia as he flew the F-22 last year. “It was…kind of a surreal experience,” he says, taking “immense concentration” to perform simple tasks. He says he followed his training and attempted to pull an emergency oxygen ring. “I couldn’t find it. I couldn’t remember what part of the aircraft it was in.” The pilots were told to keep flying despite the danger the incidents posed to them and, potentially, to people on the ground, so the Air Force could learn more about what has wrong with the plane. “We have been told that we are data collectors,” says Wilson.
CBS later reported a Senate hearing on the issue occurred Tuesday where those in attendance were assured by General Janet Wolfenbarger the two men would not be retaliated against for coming forward. At that time, the lawyer for the two men stated they were looking for the Letter of Reprimand issued to Wilson to be removed.
As of Wired’s Friday story, the letter still stands. Wired notes Wilson’s lawyer saying the pilot even offered to go back in the air, as he didn’t want to be disciplined further. Gordon too has since agreed to get back in the cockpit, but Morgan notes it is only because the two men want to help the military figure out the problem and help the plane function properly. Wired states the Air Force is currently considering these offers.
At the same time, a May 2011 report from the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General was recently revealed, showing a review of 152 whistleblowers, half of the which were left vulnerable. The Washington Post reported the investigators as recommending the military’s procedures be revised to increase protection for whistleblowers and those in Congress agreed:
Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), the Senate Judiciary Committee’s top Republican, called the report disturbing. “Heads must roll,” he said in an April 24 letter to Lynne M. Halbrooks, acting inspector general. “The root cause problems identified in the report must be addressed and resolved immediately.”
If you‘re interested in learning more about Wilson and Gordon’s positions, watch the full 60 Minutes report from Sunday:
This story has been updated for clarity.
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Comments (76)
candcantiques
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 1:31amThese men and women go out there everyday, they put their LIVES on the line. Everyday they know that it might actually be the last day that their 4 yr old son EVER sees them. THEY STILL GO DO THEIR DUTY FOR ALL OF US, yet we wont fight for ourselves.
We have a COMMUNIST for a President. A Marxist, a Socialist supported by more Communists, socialists and Marxists yet we do NOTHING. These men and women put their lives on the line everyday but we are to much cowards to say ANYTHING.
I am a little short fat f*** but DAMN people. I am willing but you are to scared yet you DEMAND protection. I am ashamed of the American public. They dont even care when I say that.
Hey whats the movie this week. Did she get her tit’s done yet. Damn shes ready isnt she. Wow that was a good movie. The President is Communist,? So whats the next movie? Where is the party happening tonight. I am so pissed I didnt get a raise. The President is a traitor…. yea right. I read a blog 3 weeks ago that he was a good guy, your an ass.
The former statements are realistic but fantasy. Nobody cares. Ever. Anywhere. The YOUTH has stabbed this country in the heart. The youth has killed this country with their greed. GOD help us all.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 2:11amcandcantiques, yours in one of the most erudite, most logical, most convincing posts I’ve ever seen on this website. You are so right!!! I look forward to seeing more of your posts here.
Report Post »little big man
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 9:00amGee ya think running the ox systen thru the jet engine could be the problem? wait let me hook up an oxy system to my tail pipe on my car see how long I last.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 9:16amThe problem is, the thing is filled with sub standard parts from China……
Report Post »recoveringneocon
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:16pmSo Lockheed Martin builds a plane for the People of the United States, its does not work properly, so We the People have to figure out what is wrong with it? Is this not Lockheed Martin Problem? Where are their test Pilots? Must be nice to sell junk to someone and then the customer does and pays for the product testing. Again, I ask where are the leaders of this Country? Don’t ever say you were not Warned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y06NSBBRtY
Report Post »mensa141
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:00pmI worked at LM Marietta during most of the F-22 construction. Parts are manufactured in over 40 states. NONE are made in any foriegn country. There are close to 200 F-22′s flying. Yes there have been problems in advanced design and yes they will be fixed. This is not the first that has been addressed and quite likely will not be the last.
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 1:11amYears ago EVERYTHING was a collaberative effort. Everyone fought for a purpose that helped everyone. Except for the greedy people that is. If you neighbor needed sugar, YOU GAVE IT… If your neighbor needed a pack of smokes YOU GAVE THEM. There was actually a day when the government asked all Americans to grow HEMP !!!!!!!!! The government asked people to grow vegetable gardens. Today, if you grow a vegetable garden in the wrong place you can go to jail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now recently there have been stories of farmers that have been made to shoot their wild boars that they raise. I’m gonna piss off a LOT of people here. HOW MANY OF YOU THAT BUY THE WILD BOAR MEAT MAKE SURE THAT YOU COOK IT TO 180 DEGREES??????? Do you know what happens if you dont cook it to an internal temp of 180??????
IT’S CALLED THRICHINOSIS. There is a worm, it lives inside the muscles of wild animalks that are CARNIVORES. Our ancestors knew this. We have been protected against it by the government. HOWEVER many people DEMAND, GET OUT OF OUR LIVES, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT. Then again, those people have children and they DO HAVE RIGHTS EVEN CONSIDERING THAT THEIR PARENTS ARE STUPID. THE CHILDREN HAVE RIGHTS.
I want to fight for the farmer but the truth is MOST people have no clue. The farmers wont tell them and CHILDREN SUFFER AS A RESULT.
OK I am on the side of the children. PERIOD.
Report Post »G-WHIZ
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 10:25am…and why did the Jews NOT eat pork?! This has been in their religion. Hundreds of villagers wpould get sick and die from under-cooked pork..”you just cookit like any-other steak, rare-med-well, right?” I don’t think the very-early Jews knew about the worm…many couldn’t read or write, so it was taught in the religion. Early-on, the rabbi’s saw non-jews getting very sick on only “hog”…not so much on other animal/fish-meat…annother reason to hate-the-jew…they’re more healthy…do not find out “why”, just hate–hate–hate… .
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 11:38amWat to stay on topic there buddy……. I bet my Dad could kick your Dads Ass……..
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:55amAt 21 I got a rude awakening. My Granfather designed Jet fighters for the defense of the USA and my father was PREIDENT of union local #1 Bricklayers in Baltimore. My father 6′ tall 48“ chest 32” waist and VERY outspoken COMMANDED respect.
I worked on a job in Loveton Maryland for Beckton Dickson doing fireproofing when my boss went into the hospital for gallstones. At 21 I WAS PUT IN CHARGE. I sat in the office the first day introduced myself and the first question i recieved was, “ Are you related to David Clark”? I told them .. “yes, he’s my father.” You never saw a job go so smooth. My father was a bad ass. Everyone ALWAYS listened to him. They knew I was his son, ALL TRADES respected me. It was actually kinda wierd. I didnt expect it nor did I want it but it was just GIVEN to me. Elecrticians HATED, fireproofers, bricklayers HATED FIREPROOFERS, Plumbers HATED fireproofers EVERYONE HATED FIREPROOFERS, till they knew who my father was. I never wanted it I never expected it, It was just GIVEN. TALK ABOUT FREAKY…… I knew my father was respected but DAMN. Truthfully though I DIDNT DESERVE IT. i DID MY BEST, I did a great job, But i didnt deserve that type of respect. When it’s given and not earned you just dont understand it. I understand it now but now I am 24 years older. The old guys EARNED IT. It was NEVER given. It shouldnt be given. Everyone today expects it to be given.
I got a 3.7 in college…. SO WHAT??? That doesnt mean that you truly know
Report Post »creepshow
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 4:08amTwo words for you scooter: Alcoholics Anonymous.
P.S. – and STFU.
Report Post »asmo
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:21pmyou are so right, I’ve worked with young college age kids entry level jobs and if you did treat them like the C E O they would whine and cry to anyone
Report Post »Mr Sanders
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:32amProtect em, definately.
If a man with the Right Stuff is going to sit in the machine he has to push to its limits then haul it back in, safely, and return home, man & machine intact, the ‘pilot’ has to be able to trust his ship. All that‘s happening is you’re using the Air Force as test pilots, and test pilots won‘t go near a machine they haven’t got a feel for. You have to get rid of the stigma and prove, time and time again, that they [F-22's] have what it takes to do the job and bring them home. There’s enough going on in there without worrying about a simple fact of life – you need to breathe.
Ground them till the problem is resolved and stop production. [ or stop the checks ] We may need a bit of a re-design…. or a new contractor?
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:42amDo not be suprised if they are being prosecuted on orders of Obama and cronies; they would love nothing more than to have a show trial to further undermind the military.
Report Post »Tankertony
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:26amGeez, just put in the oxygen system from an F-18, F-16, or F-14 and call it a day.
Report Post »TomSawyer
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:11pmI agree. But that would reveal Lockheed Martin’s deficiency in making aircraft. Lockheed did not build those aircraft. Lockheed also built the stealth UAV that failed in Iran too.
Report Post »MCAinSTL
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:22pmFrom my time in the Navy, I know one thing for sure. These guys will be lucky if the Air Force will let them fly paper airplanes. The military don’t like snitches.
Report Post »TomSawyer
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:37pmThey just think the aircraft is unsafe. They are trying not to die.
Report Post »AnAmerican111
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:05pmSeriously! Love our Military but as Aviators, they made the right decision. Those who have experienced anything close to hypoxia understand. You can not afford to lose your thought process at speed as it only takes a second to become a statistic.
God Bless the United States Military members! Now how about the government take care of them!
Report Post »doncorleone
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:55pmHow many chinese made parts are in those things? I’ve been hearing and reading that, that’s a problem.
Report Post »lketchum
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:21pmThat’s not the underlying issue. The O2 system is fine.
The issue is that the F-22 is capable of such radical maneuvers, that older, or less fit fliers, cannot handle the physical stresses being placed on the pilots. Those qualifying for the F-22, are more seasoned pilots, but they are also weaker physically.
Every test possible has been conducted on these planes, and nothing wrong was discovered.
What probably needs to happen is that under strenuous maneuvering, the O2 supply should be boosted to force more O2 into the pilots’ faces – a dynamic flow system, linked to flight controls.
Remember, the F-22 is capable of maneuvers that can instantly kill any pilot.
Report Post »scaldisnoel
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 8:41amLketchum, do you have any evidence to support your statement? Or are you just speculating?
Report Post »Wringeaux
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:49pmWouldn’t this oxygen problem be fixed if a few of thees gazillion dollar planes crashed ? If I were a pilot; I would be tempted to eject and blame it on hypoxia.
Report Post »scaldisnoel
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 8:46amI’m glad that the pilots have more integrity than you. If acting in a fraudulent way is acceptable to you, then you are a pretty despicable person.
Report Post »DEFCON4
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:39pmSounds like a mission for tom cruise…….
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:37pmHmmm, pilot hypoxia accident, no stand-down??? I’d bet if they had a structural failure accident, they’d ground the entire fleet until they had it figured out and fixed!
Report Post »lel2007
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:34pmThe worlds most complex technically advanced airplane, and they can’t get the dam oxygen system to work properly?
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:33pmI wonder if the Oxygen System has a “Made in China” sticker on it?
Or, if China hacked the computer database holding the schematics and made a few changes?
The F-22 is an aircraft to be feared. I saw the first “unofficial” public flight at Sun-n-Fun. Awesome!
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:31pmWhy don’t these pilots wear an oxygen sensor like those used in hospitals that clip over a finger–until the source of the problem is found out? Seems like a simple solution to me! It could be portable, worn on their flight suits, and record or telemeter the results, or it could be temporarily installed in the aircraft! What is scary is that the onset is insidious and the pilots are not necessarily capable of detecting the condition or taking countermeasures against its deadly effects–the hypoxia loss of control accident! Maybe they would continue to fly if the Air Force trebled their life insurance–or offered hazardous duty pay until the problem is cleared up! Something is wrong–and they need to find it!
Report Post »Baja
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:19pmI‘m glad to see people who aren’t afraid to raise the BS flag. There are many examples of personal careers and egos trumping common sense and safety in the aviation community. If the tax payers and flying public only knew!
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:08pm#1 Hypoxia is no joke; I’ve experienced it in a controlled (chamber) environment for HALO school, you don’t want this while flying a hundred million dollar aircraft.
#2 if that was a systemic problem why would I knowingly risk my life on the guaranty of some big military industrial complex **** bag.
Report Post »Baja
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:22pmDemocrats are born hypoxic.
Report Post »whocares99
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:06pmIf it is so great why was the F-23 rated as a better bang for the buck, but the F-22 got it because it was there turn to win the bid??????????????????
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:05pmSounds like they better re-engineer the oxygen system …. back to the drawing board
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:01pmMore than likely 100% of people will not believe me on this.
My grandfather the head of the mechanical engineering deptartment for a company called AAI Inc out of Cockeysville Maryland. He worked on the original designs of the F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18 and the very first drone plane. I know a lot of grandfathers tell their grandsons things that arent true. However while my grandfather was batteling lung cancer for the last 7 years of his life he worked mainly from home. On the coffee table towards the end were all the plans for everything. They sat nearly 6″ thick EACH and 5‘ wide and 4’ tall EACH. The plans were ENORMOUS.
AAI is a company that is a subcontractor for MANY different companies that get government contracts. They , as I understand things, are a part of General Dynamics.
The ONLY plane in service now as a fighter that my grandfather did NOT work on is the F-22.
My grandfather was WOW intelligent when it came to mechanical engineering. Me I am about as dumb as it gets with mechanical engineering. Wish he was here. I bet he would figure it out in a few hours so these guys could do their jobs without fear.
Those who have flown the F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18 his name was Norman G Nelson. I am sure he is glad he was able to have helped. God Bless
Report Post »dmforman
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:58pmThe American Public needs to know how the Military are being used. Their lives are just as important as you or I. These planes should not be flown and the men should not have to risk their lives or anyone else by flying planes that consistently do not provide enough oxygen to the pilots. Will it take a plane crashing into a home and killing a family and them suing to fix this problem?
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:36pmPut an operational limit on the aircraft, like 10,000 ft or no more than 10 minutes up to 18,000 ft daytime, 0 at night! Better yet, let the oxygen system engineers fly the planes all they want at any altitude! Problem solved–either they figure it out or they win the Darwin award, one at a time, and their replacements have an opportunity to solve the problem before they, too, win the Darwin award!
Report Post »Thevoice
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:57pmNot knowing the whole deal. It says… Oxygen system…Can’t believe it would be a hard fix…Maybe we are just getting dumber by the day.
Report Post »Whiskey273
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:52pm@Teachersky, I certainly hope you really are not an actual teacher. You can’t even form a coherrent sentence. Also, your ignorance is unbelievable, The F-22 is manufactured by Lockheed-Martin, NOT Northrop-Grumman. There are more than 22 pilots that are qualified to fly the F-22. Engage your brain prior to using the computer.
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:31pm@ Whiskey273
“The F-22 is manufactured by Lockheed-Martin, NOT Northrop-Grumman.”
At least until my grandfather died all of the fighter jets were subcontracted out to AAI Inc. I cannot speak for the F-22 but I bet it too is subcontracted out to someone else.
The rule of business is “get the contract and have someone else do the work”.
Is that not true of everything? You get a government contract for $5,000,000.00 but you subcontract the work for $3,000,000.00 you just made $2,000,000.00 in profit. You might have the right to put your name on it but that doesnt mean you DESIGNED it.
I am an antique dealer and I DO THE SAME THING. Bring me an estate and I pay a finders fee. I wont necessarily tell you everything about everything that I see but I will pay a reasonable percentage BECAUSE YOU BROUGHT IT TO ME. Did I do the work to get it? NO. But I still profit dont I. Government and government contractors are the same way.
AAI Inc is here–> http://www.aai-inc.com/ You will find they have a location in Hunt Valley / Cockeysville Maryland. Do a search Norman Gilbert Nelson, Born 1917. Owned 2 different aircraft co in NY before WW2. Put Head Ski into bankruptcy in the 60′s just before they were bought out by AMF. MANAGER of the mechanical engineering department of AAI inc.
Last 7 years of his life, while dying of lung cancer, mainly working from home he recieved SIGNIFICANT raises every year. It took 4 men to TRY to take his place.
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:38pmA man born and learning mechanics and aircraft between WW1 and WW2 didnt go to college. He learned on the job. Especially during WW2 he learned to WORK FOR HIS COUNTRY. 40 HRS PR WK are you kidding? These men worked 100+ hr per week. They were MEN. They had morals, they had standards. They were willing to do ANYTHING for their country. I am glad my grandfather is no longer alive to witness the degredation of this country by Obama and the lack of MEN willing to defend this country. It would break his heart.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:23pm@candcantiques
Thank you for your Grandfathers service. You sound very proud and should be.
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:01amI am very proud of my grandfathers service. I am just not sure he would be proud of the President the he now helps to serve even after his death. I dont have the intelligence he had. I am not stupid but he was way serious intelligent and he would be PISSED in my opinion at the way this country has turned and the way that what he has designed is being used to intimidate the American Public.
The drone plane he designed being used AGAINST Americans? He was a great man and I know he believed he was doing the best he could for all Americans. He couldnt have foreseen what is today but if he knew he would be PISSED that nobody had balls. As a WW2 man he gave everything he had for the Constitution that protects us all. Today we all run in fear of retribution.
In the Revolutionary War people FEARED for the safety of their families. They STILL FOUGHT. for right, reguardless of the consequences. Entire families DIED. Their sacrifice gave us the CONSTITUTION. Will we now run because of FEAR? They didnt run. They STOOD AND DIED. Today we are afraid. SHAME ON YOU. Shame on you. You DEMAND protection under the CONSTITUTION but you run from the fight to defend it. SHAME ON YOU. Shame on you. Yes you might die. So might I. So might my lady. So might my son. THAT IS THE COST OF FREEDOM.
Report Post »wordweaver
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:51pmI saw the 60 minutes segment on this issue, and these guys have shown great courage to step out like this. That this problem with the oxygen system has not been fixed is criminal. That these two had to resort to “whistle-blowing” should be profoundly embarrassing to the Pentagon boys. Unfortunately, the way promotions work in the military today, it takes very little for officers to get passed over, and an episode like this is more than enough. You can talk all you want about protecting these guys, but what goes on at the promotion board is not ever made public. So, I fear the careers of these guys are done, and they knew that when they made the decision to not fly and talk about it. Whatever happens to their careers, at least they should be able to sleep at night with a clear conscience.
Report Post »teacherskj
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:36pmDo I understand that a pilot can’t get oxygen sometimes while flying the stealth f-22? Oh my fricken goodness . And only 22 America s can pilot the darn things? Shoot at this rate we we can takeoney fro somebody else, pay Northrop for nuthin’ and not protect our country.
Report Post »scaldisnoel
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 8:52amIs there a coherent thought somewhere in your comment? If so, I can’t find it.
Report Post »Mutiny
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:30pmDidnt we just deploy some of them to the Iran area. I think this is something that should have stayed in house.
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