69-year-old denied chief flight instructor job claims age discrimination

A Schnecksville community college is being sued for age discrimination after it allegedly offered a job in its aviation program to a younger applicant.

Frank T. Gravina filed a lawsuit against Lehigh Carbon Community College April 18 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Gravina says he applied for a chief flight instructor position with LCCC in March 2011. Gravina contends he was well-qualified and able to meet the physical demands and responsibilities of the job. The 69-year-old says prior to applying for the chief flight instructor position he taught for several years as an adjunct faculty in the LCCC Professional Pilot Degree Program.

Later that month, Gravina says he was granted an interview with the search committee, met with the Dean of Academic Services and Vice President for Academic Services. The Stewartsville, N.J. man also claims several letters of recommendation were submitted on his behalf. However, in April 2011 Gravina says he was told the position was offered to a much younger candidate, Bradley Snyder.

Gravina alleges Snyder did not have the experience or qualifications for the chief flight instructor position and that the hiring decision was based solely on age. Gravina accuses the school of violating the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act. He seeks an unspecified amount in damages for loss of income and court costs.

Attorney Patrick J. Reilly of Allentown represents Gravina. They ask for a jury trial.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case No. 5:13-cv-02097-JKG