Alireza Alivandivafa - Pilot / Employer Disputes - Mediation & Arbitration Services

Mediation & Arbitration for Aviation Employment Conflicts

Resolving pilot-employer disputes with discretion, efficiency, and aviation expertise.

In the aviation industry, employment disputes can carry unique stakes—threatening not just careers, but certificates, operational integrity, and flight safety. Whether you're an operator, airline, or individual pilot, resolving these matters requires a neutral who understands both employment law and the complex regulatory world of aviation.

Alireza Alivandivafa is a seasoned litigator, mediator, and arbitrator—and a licensed private pilot. With over 17 years of experience, he brings deep employment law fluency and aviation insight to resolve workplace disputes across charter operations, commercial airlines, flight schools, and FBOs.

Why Mediation & Arbitration for Pilot Disputes?

• Protect Sensitive Allegations – Avoid press or regulatory exposure by resolving issues privately

• Aviation-Specific Expertise – Ensure the neutral understands FAA standards and regs, operational hierarchies, flight schedules and safety reporting structures

• Preserve Safety & Compliance – Resolve employment disputes without compromising flight operations or safety protocols (factor in certificate status, FARs, and Part 135/121/91 obligations in the resolution)

• Accelerate Resolution – Avoid lengthy litigation that grounds careers or disrupts operations

Who This Is For

For Pilots & Flight Crew (Plaintiffs):

Whether you're a Part 91 corporate pilot, charter captain, or airline crew member, employment disputes can derail your career and certificate status. Alireza understands that pilots often work in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Disputes with employers can be uniquely damaging to a pilot's career, certifications, and mental well-being. He brings empathy and confidentiality to help resolve:

• Whistleblower Retaliation – Pilots terminated or disciplined after reporting safety violations, FAA non-compliance, or toxic workplace practices

• Sexual Harassment or Gender Discrimination – Female or LGBTQ+ pilots facing misconduct or bias in male-dominated environments (FEHA)

• Hostile Work Environment – Pilots subjected to bullying, retaliation, or undermining tactics by supervisors or co-workers

• Medical Leave & Fitness Disputes – Conflicts related to mental health leave, AME reporting, or forced grounding

• Wrongful Termination – Pilots dismissed under pretextual or retaliatory circumstances, especially after protected complaints

• Independent Contractor Misclassification – 1099 pilots denied benefits, overtime, or legal protections under AB5 or FLSA

• Common Pilot/Employer Disputes Mediated or Arbitrated

• Contract interpretation and termination

• Retaliation under Labor Code §§ 1102.5 or FAA whistleblower protections

• Age or disability discrimination (Title VII and ADA)

• Disputes over fitness for duty or AME reports

• Harassment and unequal treatment in scheduling, routes, or promotion

• Unfair discipline or denial of union rights

• Severance negotiation and non-compete enforcement

• Contract disputes (e.g., pay, scheduling, duty limits)

• Disciplinary actions and terminations

• FAA reporting issues and compliance allegations

• Disputes over relocation, safety reporting, or SMS participation

For Airlines, Charter Operators & Aviation Employers (Defense):

From charter companies to corporate flight departments, aviation employers face unique risks in pilot employment relationships. Alireza supports:

• Navigating wrongful termination or discrimination claims

• Disputes over rest, duty time, or Part 135/121 compliance

• Managing pilot misconduct or FAA-reportable events

• Dispute resolution involving furloughs, contract pilots, or union negotiations

• Common Pilot-Employer Disputes Resolved

• Wrongful termination or constructive discharge

• Disputes over FAR compliance (Part 91.13, 91.17, 135.267)

• Alleged retaliation for reporting safety or maintenance concerns

• Contract breaches related to relocation, bonus clawbacks, or scheduling

• FAA-mandated leave or medical certification issues

• Drug/alcohol policy enforcement under FAA & DOT regulations

• Harassment or discrimination in flight departments

• Termination or discipline disputes with captains or first officers

• Alleged breaches of pilot employment contracts or union MOUs

• Claims related to retaliation or safety reporting

• Disability, FMLA/CFRA, or leave-related disputes

• Fitness for duty disagreements

• Disputes involving pilot misclassification or 1099 status

Why Aviation Employment Disputes Require Specialized ADR

➡ Career Impact – A dispute can ground a pilot permanently if not handled discreetly and professionally

➡ FAA & DOT Overlap – Employment claims often intersect with medical certification, drug/alcohol testing, and reporting protocols

➡ Union & Regulatory Layers – Navigating disputes under CBAs, PRIA rules, or pilot training agreements requires legal fluency and nuance

➡ Reputational Stakes – Employers and pilots alike seek swift resolution to avoid FAA attention, lawsuits, or industry blacklisting

Why Choose Alireza Alivandivafa?

• FAA-licensed private pilot

• 17+ years in employment and aviation-related law

• Dual lens: former plaintiff and defense counsel

• Panel Neutral – AAA, Resolve Law LA, C.D. Cal., LASC MVP

• Fluent in French, German, and English

Alireza understands the technical, regulatory, and interpersonal dynamics of aviation workplaces—and facilitates resolutions that honor all three.

Mediation & Arbitration Logistics

• Remote ADR available across the U.S.

• In-person sessions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and by request

• FAA record confidentiality respected in all sessions

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate duty time and dispatch

Ready to Resolve a Pilot / Employer Dispute?

Whether you’re a pilot defending your record or an operator managing a sensitive employment matter, Alireza offers the skill, discretion, and aviation fluency needed to navigate high-stakes workplace conflict.

Request to schedule Mediation, Arbitration or Inquire About Availability & Request Rates below.