FAA inspector sues United over alleged lifetime travel ban

An FAA safety inspector, Paul Asmus, filed a civil complaint against United Airlines on Jan. 30 in San Jose, alleging the carrier removed him from United flight 1684 on May 12, 2022 and imposed a lifetime travel ban after he reported safety concerns. Asmus, who was off duty, says he observed a torn seat-back pocket that impaired access to the emergency briefing card and a passenger standing during pushback, violations he says he photographed to report to the FAA.

The complaint alleges a flight attendant accused Asmus of photographing crew members and being combative, that the captain demanded he show the last photo on his phone, and that the aircraft returned to the gate and deplaned him. Asmus says United later sought $3,153 for returning the plane to the gate, imposed the travel ban, filed a complaint with the FAA and reassigned him from duties including an alleged active investigation on United’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

An administrative law judge for the U.S.

faa safety inspector, paul asmus, filed a civil complaint, united airlines, jan. 30, san jose, united flight 1684, may 12, 2022, lifetime travel ban, torn seat-back pocket, emergency briefing card, passenger standing during pushback, reported safety concerns, reassigned him from duties