Final answer:
The term 'stale complaint' refers to a complaint that has exceeded the timeline for investigation by the FAA. The FAA doesn't have a general time frame for complaints to become stale; it varies depending on the nature of the complaint. For whistleblower complaints under AIR21, the time limit is usually 90 days from the incident.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to filing a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it is crucial to understand that the term 'stale complaint' refers to an issue or violation report that has exceeded the timeline deemed appropriate for investigation or enforcement action. The FAA has not published a specific stale complaint time frame applicable to all kinds of complaints. However, for certain types of complaints, such as those related to whistleblower protections under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21), the complainant must file the complaint within 90 days of the alleged violation.
Other types of compliance and enforcement actions may have different timelines, and these can depend on both the nature of the infraction and the relevant FAA regulations governing that area. For more detailed analysis and advice, consultation with an aviation attorney or direct contact with the FAA might be necessary to understand the specific time frames involved for a given situation.