### Question
How is the term contractor defined?


### Answer
The term **contractor** is defined in *49 U.S.C. § 42121* as the following:

> a company that performs safety-sensitive functions by contract for an air carrier

#### Citation:
  - *49 U.S.C. § 42121*
  - Heading: **SUBTITLE VII-AVIATION PROGRAMS > PART A-AIR COMMERCE AND SAFETY > subpart ii-economic regulation > CHAPTER 421-LABOR-MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS > SUBCHAPTER III-WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM**

