But the Event is Not Over!
The back story is that in August 10, 2020, SWA airline Captain Michael Haak completely disrobed, exposed himself, and jerked off in front of first officer Christine Janning, while piloting their 737 with passengers onboard. He even threw semen at her. Janning reported Haak’s actions to the FBI, and Haak was later criminally charged, pled guilty, and was convicted in 2021 (DOT OIG link). The airline and the union were not happy Janning took this to the FBI, and they allegedly began their retaliation. “Allegedly” is simply a term to limit liability until the final verdict. But Christine Janning became a Whistleblower with all the associated retaliation. Links to the details are at the end of this post. Despite that Haak pleading guilty, this is not over.
Janning had reported the event despite the company’s threats of a mental health evaluation if she pursued accountability. Unfortunately because she went to the FBI, SWA followed through on the threat and removed her from duty with a Section 2.C. Newton tried to justify removing Janning from flying from Dec 9, 2020 to March 25, 2021, by citing Section 2. C. of the pilot contract. This provision comes with an industry-specific meaning and is used to remove pilots suspected of being psychologically unwell. Similar with what Delta did to me with the Section 15.
But it gets even worse because System Chief Pilot David “Fig” Newton circulated that Section 2.C. email regarding Janning being pulled to her colleagues! This is a profoundly serious and stigmatizing allegation—one that can cause irreversible harm to a pilot’s reputation, career prospects, and standing in the aviation community. Now that she is flying as a captain, how many first officers believe that false allegation? That dynamic could create a serious problem with the safety of operation if the first officer believes the captain has a mental health issue because the Chief Pilot says so.
So, why was Christine deemed “psychologically unwell” and Newton sent the email to fellow employees? Janning’s attorneys argue that Section 2.C. was weaponized against her—the victim of an in-flight assault—to intimidate her into silence, discouraging her from reporting her perpetrator to authorities.
Christine Janning is now fighting to hold David “Fig” Newton personally accountable for destroying her professional reputation by circulating a Section 2.C. email to her colleagues.
Public Call to Action
Stand Up for Whistleblowers!
On Tuesday, August 12th at 11 am (Eastern), the public will have an opportunity to listen in on the civil case: Christine Janning vs. Southwest Airlines. This case centers on a fundamental principle that every employee should be able to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
Now, five years after the initial event, and three years into her legal fight, Judge Eric Netcher is considering a key issue: whether senior Southwest leadership—specifically System Chief Pilot David Newton—defamed Janning.
Circuit Judge at the 9th Circuit
Orlando Florida
You’re Invited!
ONLY 30 Minutes is Allowed for this Argument
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 (Eastern)
Join online: https://ninthcircuit.webex.com/meet/40orange
Join by Phone (audio only): 1-904-900-2303 or 408-418-9388 Access code: 2339 961 4383
This is a fight for Whistleblowers everywhere!
And I hope that you will all join me, in support of Christine Janning.
Public participation matters. Even silent listening sends a message to the court that people are paying attention and care about transparency, accountability, and whistleblower protections. I do. Do you?
LINKS to the History
October 16, 2023 Aviation and the Law Motions to Dismiss
March 03, 2023 Sex In the Skies
November 19, 2024, SWA Chief Pilot Threatened with Jail Time,
The Landing:
September 15, 2023, Co-pilot Feared ‘Deranged,” Naked Southwest Captain Would Crash the Plane Suit
October 4 2022: Co-pilot Says Southwest Captain Michael Haak Sexually Assaulted Her Mid-Flight
February 02, 2023: Two More Southwest Pilots Names in Sexual Assault, Retaliation Lawsuit:
5 Comments
The weaponization of psychiatry against whistle-blowers AGAIN
Just waisted 1 hour waiting to support this, what happened?
Oh… people got kicked out. My sister and husband did too. But only 30 minutes because they knew when it ended. What happened? A little legal shenanigans I’m thinking. Post update coming shortly. Thank you for your effort!!!!
Hi Karlene.
This weaponization of psychiatry and psychology is a major problem around the world and has been at least back to the 1800s.
It must be dealt with and I spread the word on it often.
Julien
Sadly, this is used in many fields, too. But with aviation, they can destroy your career for life. One day at time, we’ll stop this.