Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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Federal Aviation Administration v. Cooper
United States Supreme Court
566 U.S. 284, 132 S. Ct. 1441 (2012)
The privacy act of nineteen seventy four establishes detailed requirements that federal agencies must follow in managing individuals' confidential records. The statute also authorizes private civil actions against agencies in certain circumstances.
In Federal Aviation Administration versus Cooper, the Supreme Court considered what kind of damages a privacy act plaintiff can recover.
Private pilot Stanmore Cooper became infected with the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in nineteen eighty five.
At that time, the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA wouldn't certify HIV positive individuals to fly. When Cooper applied for required renewals of his pilot's medical certificate, he deliberately failed to disclose his HIV status in violation of federal regulations.
After Cooper's health deteriorated, Cooper applied for long term disability benefits under the Social Security Act.
To substantiate his claim, Cooper disclosed his HIV status to the Social Security Administration or SSA.
Later, the Department of Transportation or DOT began a joint investigation with the SSA to ferret out medically unfit pilots who'd obtained medical certifications.
The agencies exchanged records to compare licensed pilots and benefit recipients.
The investigation revealed Cooper's subterfuge.
After Cooper admitted that he'd intentionally withheld relevant medical information, his pilot's license was revoked, and he pleaded guilty to a criminal charge. Cooper sued the three agencies in federal district court, alleging that they violated the privacy act by sharing his records.
Cooper sought damages for mental and emotional distress, but didn't claim any economic loss.
The district court granted summary judgment for the government. The ninth circuit reversed. The United States Supreme Court granted cert.
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Get more case briefs explained with Quimbee. Quimbee has over 42,700 case briefs (and counting) keyed to 988 casebooks ► quimbee.com/case-briefs-overview
Federal Aviation Administration v. Cooper
United States Supreme Court
566 U.S. 284, 132 S. Ct. 1441 (2012)
The privacy act of nineteen seventy four establishes detailed requirements that federal agencies must follow in managing individuals' confidential records. The statute also authorizes private civil actions against agencies in certain circumstances.
In Federal Aviation Administration versus Cooper, the Supreme Court considered what kind of damages a privacy act plaintiff can recover.
Private pilot Stanmore Cooper became infected with the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in nineteen eighty five.
At that time, the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA wouldn't certify HIV positive individuals to fly. When Cooper applied for required renewals of his pilot's medical certificate, he deliberately failed to disclose his HIV status in violation of federal regulations.
After Cooper's health deteriorated, Cooper applied for long term disability benefits under the Social Security Act.
To substantiate his claim, Cooper disclosed his HIV status to the Social Security Administration or SSA.
Later, the Department of Transportation or DOT began a joint investigation with the SSA to ferret out medically unfit pilots who'd obtained medical certifications.
The agencies exchanged records to compare licensed pilots and benefit recipients.
The investigation revealed Cooper's subterfuge.
After Cooper admitted that he'd intentionally withheld relevant medical information, his pilot's license was revoked, and he pleaded guilty to a criminal charge. Cooper sued the three agencies in federal district court, alleging that they violated the privacy act by sharing his records.
Cooper sought damages for mental and emotional distress, but didn't claim any economic loss.
The district court granted summary judgment for the government. The ninth circuit reversed. The United States Supreme Court granted cert.
Want more details on this case? Get the rule of law, issues, holding and reasonings, and more case facts here: quimbee.com/cases/federal-aviation-administration-v-cooper
The Quimbee App features over 42,700 case briefs keyed to 988 casebooks. Try it free for 7 days! ► quimbee.com/case-briefs-overview
Have Questions about this Case? Submit your questions and get answers from a real attorney here: quimbee.com/cases/federal-aviation-administration-v-cooper
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Quimbee Case Brief App ► quimbee.com/case-briefs-overview
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