Air Force whistle-blowers to get protection

From the Alamogordo Daily News -AP - There will be no actions taken against two whistle-blower pilots who complained about problems with the F-22 fighter jet, including comments made during a recent "60 Minutes" television interview, the Air Force said Tuesday. Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, told a Senate subcommittee Tuesday the pilots would get whistle-blower protections. The pilots spoke out about oxygen-deficit problems with the stealth fighter, which have resulted in pilot dizziness, blackouts and other hypoxia-like symptoms. According to the Air Force just two pilots have asked not to fly the F-22 or to be reassigned, and officials have said each pilot's request would be handled individually. The nation's F-22 fighter jets were grounded for four months last year after pilots complained of experiencing a lack of oxygen that can cause dizziness and blackouts. Air Force officials said they have taken steps against the problem, but still haven't pinpointed what's causing the hypoxia-like symptoms.  read more

Air Force whistle-blowers to get protection