Overview
- Filed Oct. 13 in the Southern District of Texas, John Paul Castillo III’s suit alleges ADA and Title VII violations along with retaliation and defamation.
- Castillo says United pushed him to enter the HIMS program after a July 2023 DUI arrest that was later dismissed, even though an independent assessment found no alcohol-use disorder.
- United terminated him in November 2023 after his FAA first-class medical lapsed following an Oct. 16 exam, a credential federal rules require for airline pilots.
- The lawsuit claims disparate treatment, asserting a white probationary pilot remained employed after enrolling in HIMS and alleging reliance on stereotypes about Hispanic men and alcohol.
- The filing challenges an FAA records entry initially listing “pilot-performance issues” as his separation reason—corrected in May 2025—and seeks reinstatement or monetary relief.