{"id":118980,"date":"2025-10-29T01:15:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T19:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=118980"},"modified":"2025-10-29T01:15:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T19:45:30","slug":"united-airlines-pilot-sues-carrier-for-racial-discrimination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/29\/united-airlines-pilot-sues-carrier-for-racial-discrimination\/","title":{"rendered":"United Airlines Pilot Sues Carrier for Racial Discrimination After Termination"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO-<\/strong> Air Force combat pilot John Paul Castillo III<\/strong> was fired from United Airlines (UA)<\/a> in 2023 after refusing to enter a substance abuse program following a DUI arrest in Montgomery County, Texas (CXO)<\/strong>. Castillo has now filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pilot argues that United assumed he was an alcoholic because he is Hispanic, despite an independent evaluation stating otherwise. United, however, says it followed established safety and FAA medical protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Terminated Pilot Sues United Airlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Castillo joined United Airlines in 2023 after serving as an Air Force combat pilot. On July 22, 2023<\/strong>, he was arrested in Montgomery County, Texas, for suspected DUI after a field sobriety test. No blood alcohol test was conducted, and he later reported that all charges were dismissed, likely through a pretrial diversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following FAA requirements, Castillo disclosed the incident to both United Airlines (UA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United required him to enroll in the HIMS<\/strong> program, a joint FAA\u2013industry initiative designed for pilots with substance use issues. Castillo refused, maintaining that his DUI was an isolated incident and that an independent evaluator confirmed he did not have an alcohol-use disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His first-class medical certificate<\/strong>, mandatory for all commercial airline pilots, was deferred pending FAA review in October 2023<\/strong>. A month later, United terminated his employment, citing his inability to perform flight duties without a valid medical certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Castillo contends that a white probationary pilot facing similar DUI charges remained employed because he joined the treatment program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: jpellgen | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n