Sprague, John

Native of Taunton, MA; earned a degree in aircraft maintenance from Wentworth Institute, and also earned a private pilot's license. United Airlines offered him a position as line mechanic at Boston's Logan Airport, but upon learning he was deaf, switched their offer to a lower position in a San Francisco engine maintenance shop. After 15 months of weekly commuting 6000 miles across the country and trying to get United to change its mind, he left United for a line mechanic position with more open-minded AirTran in Boston. Sprague also filed a discrimination suit against United Airlines.