Southwest gave free training to FAA manager

So, if the airline an FAA inspector is assigned to oversee for
compliance to FAA regulations receives $15,000.00 worth of free
training from that airline contrary to FAA's rules of conduct, was
there a real conflict of interest?


http://www.usatoday.com/travel/fligh...outhwest_N.htm
Southwest gave free training to FAA manager

By Alan Levin, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The manager of the federal office that oversees
Southwest Airlines accepted thousands of dollars in free pilot
training from the carrier under an arrangement that violates rules
of conduct, the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.

The training program had been approved by regional officials and
had been in place for years. The FAA has halted the program
because it violates its rules, according to spokeswoman Diane
Spitalieri. The FAA would not comment specifically on the
supervisor's training because the matter is "under investigation,"
Spitalieri said.

FAA manager Bobby Hedlund, who was promoted last year to head the
Southwest office, received months of training in 2005 that
qualified him to fly the Boeing 737, according to recent testimony
before Congress from three current and former FAA officials.
Southwest received a proposed $10.2 million fine in March for
safety violations.

FAA inspectors often receive training to stay abreast of changing
technology and airline operations, but the training is mostly done
at the FAA's expense. The free training highlights the continuing
cozy relationship between Southwest and some of the government
officials who oversee it, said Robert Naccache, who worked in the
Southwest office until he retired last year.

"This is the most flagrant conflict of interest that I have ever
witnessed in my 20-year career in the federal government,"
Naccache said during a hearing last month.

His testimony was buttressed by Michael Mills, the FAA's former
Southwest manager, and Bobby Boutris, one of two federal
whistle-blowers who first raised concerns about Southwest.

The training Hedlund received would cost a private citizen $15,000
or more, according to the officials and flight schools. It also
would enhance a résumé, opening doors for employment at airlines
or other private aviation firms. The FAA officials who testified
at the hearing called the arrangement a conflict of interest. ...