FAA Whistleblower Honored for Exposing Understaffing and Improving Air Safety

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has awarded Deputy Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Brett Wyrick the 2026 Outstanding Public Servant Award for his disclosure of critical understaffing among FAA medical officers. His report led to the hiring of 26 additional medical officers and new efficiency measures, addressing dangerous backlogs in reviewing medical certificates for pilots and air traffic controllers, thereby enhancing aviation safety.