- A former FAA official was sentenced to two years probation and a $ 5,000 fine.
- Joelyn DeCosta was accused of “maliciously interfering” in air traffic communications.
- Their actions resulted in a communications blackout while at least 10 planes were in the air, the DoJ said.
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A former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employee was sentenced to two years probation and a $ 5,000 fine for interfering with communications between Air Traffic Control and several planes.
A federal judge sentenced Joelyn DeCosta, 48, for “intentionally and maliciously interfering” with air traffic communications in Honolulu, Hawaii.
DeCosta’s actions caused a communications blackout while at least 10 planes were in the air, the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) said in a press release.
On one occasion, the main and backup communication lines between Air Traffic Control and approximately six planes were cut, the statement said.
A second incident resulted in four other planes being affected by disruptions, the DoJ added.
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The pilots were unable to listen to Air Traffic Control instructions for a total of two minutes, according to the press release.
One pilot, who spoke in the sentence, said 40 passengers on his plane were in significant danger from the interruptions.
“The United States Attorney’s Office takes any threat to the safety of the public who travels by air very seriously and will vigorously enforce federal criminal laws against any federal employee who abuses their position and in doing so endangers air travelers. “said US District Attorney for the Hawaii District Kenji M. Price
DeCosta worked for the FAA 26 years before the incidents.
She agreed to resign as an Air Transport Systems Specialist before the sentence as part of a court settlement.
As a result, DeCosta lost his retirement benefits – estimated by the DoJ at more than $ 500,000.