what is an informal conference with an faa attorney

by Shanie Rau 10 min read

There is an opportunity at the beginning of most enforcement cases for informal procedures, including an informal conference with an FAA attorney, to give the alleged violator a chance to bring to the FAA's attention information favorable to it, e.g., exculpatory or mitigating evidence.

The purpose of the informal conference is to allow the airman to present any information that he or she believes the FAA should consider concerning the alleged violations and ultimately may involve what is essentially a pre-trial negotiation to resolve the matter.Feb 1, 2018

Full Answer

When to request an informal conference with an FAA lawyer?

ARSA recommends that upon receipt of a NPCP the company request releasable portions of the EIR, and then request an informal conference with an FAA lawyer after receiving and understanding the contents of the EIR.

What are the legal enforcement actions of the FAA?

Legal Enforcement Actions. The Enforcement Division initiates legal enforcement actions to address noncompliance by regulated entities and persons including certificate actions, civil penalty actions, and informal procedures and settlements. The policies, procedures, and guidelines for the FAA's legal enforcement actions are contained in FAA...

How do you write a smart letter for an informal conference?

Right before the informal conference, a “smart letter” should be written explaining the company’s position on each allegation for discussion during the informal. This letter should address the facts of the allegations versus the regulations, the mitigating steps taken by the company, and explain or attach any favorable evidence.

What is an informal conference with the FAA?

What is the purpose of an informal conference?

What documents should I bring to a FAA meeting?

Can the FAA use information presented at an informal conference?

Does the FAA enforce FAA compliance?

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Can any statements you make at the informal conference be later used by the FAA as evidence against you?

But because the airman is at a serious disadvantage without an attorney (the FAA will have their attorney!), harmful admissions are sometimes made at Informal Conferences. For example, if you make inconsistent statements during the Informal Conference, these can be used against you in the later Enforcement Hearing.

What are the three types of enforcement actions that the FAA may take against an airman?

Legal Enforcement ActionsInformal Procedures and Settlements. ... Certificate Actions. ... Civil Penalty Actions.

How long does an FAA violation stay on your record?

Enforcement Information Subsystem (EIS) Prior to 2010, records of action brought against your certificate would be expunged after 5 years. However, The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010, signed August 1, 2010, changes how PRIA works.

How long do FAA investigations take?

The average time for an investigative process is 2-3 years. The NTSB database contains preliminary information taken from NTSB Preliminary Form #6120.4. Preliminary reports must be submitted within 5 working days of the event.

Can the FAA fine you?

The fines of $81,950 and $77,272, respectively, are part of the approximately $2 million the agency has proposed since Jan. 1, 2022. “If you are on an airplane, don't be a jerk and don't endanger the flight crews and fellow passengers. If you do, you will be fined by the FAA,” U.S. Transportation Sec.

Can the FAA file criminal charges?

Where the FAA legal staff determines it is appropriate, possible violations of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 or the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act are referred to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.

What happens if you break an FAA regulation?

If the FAA responds to something they know about, it can range from a controller talking to you over the phone up to certificate action (suspension, revoked) to the infamous "709 ride", in which the FSDO administers a checkride and decides which, if any, ratings you keep and which you lose.

How do I check my FAA record?

To check the validity of the certificate, email a request to Aviation Data Systems Branch, [email protected] . You can now search airmen by last name, last name and certificate number, or last name and other advance criteria such as first name, date of birth or city. You may also search by Parachute Seal Symbol.

Does FAA check driving record?

Yes, FAA Form 8500-8, Application for Airmen Medical, contains an express consent provision which authorizes the National Driver Register ( NDR ) to release information about your driving record to the FAA. Information on the NDR record will contain pointers to states that keep a driving history on you.

What are the five steps of the investigative process?

Here are the five steps.Define a Question to Investigate. As scientists conduct their research, they make observations and collect data. ... Make Predictions. Based on their research and observations, scientists will often come up with a hypothesis. ... Gather Data. ... Analyze the Data. ... Draw Conclusions.

How do you respond to an FAA letter of investigation?

In some cases, it may be best to provide the FAA with a courtesy response, simply acknowledging receipt of the Letter. It may be determined, however, in consult with your FAA defense attorney, that a more detailed response is necessary.

What does the FAA investigate?

In short, the FAA is involved in virtually all aircraft accidents since it is typically a required party. The role the FAA plays depends on several factors and could include investigating issues concerning aviation safety or investigating the accident itself and relaying the facts and circumstances to the NTSB.

What is an FAA violation?

Airspace Violations If you enter a controlled airspace without first meeting the proper requirements, you're committing an airspace violation. These can also occur if you enter a restricted area or somewhere that has a temporary flight restriction.

What is an FAA administrative action?

According to the FAA, “The. purpose for administrative enforcement action is to provide the FAA Inspector with an. administrative means for disposing of minor types of [potential] violations, [but which. are NOT actual violations], which do not require the use of legal enforcement. sanctions.” (

What powers does the FAA have?

We issue and enforce regulations and minimum standards covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft. We certify airmen and airports that serve air carriers.

What happens if you break an FAA regulation?

If the FAA responds to something they know about, it can range from a controller talking to you over the phone up to certificate action (suspension, revoked) to the infamous "709 ride", in which the FSDO administers a checkride and decides which, if any, ratings you keep and which you lose.

What is informal FAA?

There is an opportunity at the beginning of most enforcement cases for informal procedures, including an informal conference with an FAA attorney, to give the alleged violator a chance to bring to the FAA's attention information favorable to it, e.g., exculpatory or mitigating evidence. During these informal procedures, an enforcement action can sometimes be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties.

How does the FAA initiate civil penalty matters?

The FAA initiates civil penalty matters by providing notice of the civil penalty or notice of the proposed assessment. An entity may appeal the notice, and a hearing before one of the Department of Transportation's or National Transportation Safety Board's administrative law judges (ALJ) is available. Any decision by an ALJ may be appealed to the FAA Administrator or the NTSB, respectively. Final decisions by the Administrator or the NTSB may be appealed to a United States court of appeals. The following links provide information regarding civil penalty adjudications:

What is FAA certificate suspension?

Certificate suspensions of a fixed number of days are issued to discipline an alleged violator and to deter others similarly situated. Suspensions of indefinite duration are issued to prevent a certificate holder from exercising the privileges of a certificate pending demonstration that the certificate holder meets the standards required to hold its certificate. Certificate revocations are issued when the FAA determines that a certificate holder is no longer qualified to hold a certificate.

What is a compromise order FAA?

For civil penalties in excess of the dollar limitation on FAA's assessment authority (for other than hazardous materials violations), the FAA has authority to compromise a penalty by issuing a compromise order stating that the FAA believes the entity has violated a statute or regulation and that the FAA is willing to accept a penalty of a specified amount in resolution of the matter. When the FAA issues a compromise order, no adjudicated finding of violation is made a part of the entity's enforcement record (unless the entity agrees otherwise as part of the resolution). If there is no resolution, the matter is referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution in U.S. District Court.

What happens when the FAA issues a compromise order?

When the FAA issues a compromise order, no adjudicated finding of violation is made a part of the entity's enforcement record (unless the entity agrees otherwise as part of the resolution). If there is no resolution, the matter is referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution in U.S. District Court.

What is Regulations.gov?

Regulations.gov — The Federal Repository for Department of Transportation Decisions Provides searchable ALJ decisions from the Department of Transportation's Office of Hearings.

What are the actions that the FAA can take against aviation workers?

There are two different types of actions that the FAA can take against aviation workers. The first is legal enforcement actions, which pertain to revocation, suspension, and penalties that are imposed by the FAA. In these situations, you are able to appeal to the NTSB and, if the case goes further, to the United States appeals court.

What is a letter of investigation from the FAA?

A Letter of Investigation from the FAA is an unwelcome sight in the mailbox for any airman, and preventing the FAA from moving forward with the enforcement actions by hiring an aviation defense attorney is typically the best way to respond. Though you will of course have the opportunity to submit comments for review, it’s not always easy to come up with a solid defense yourself.

What happens if you dispute an insurance claim with the FAA?

Disputes with insurance providers when covering accidents and injuries. A dispute with the FAA can have incredibly far-reaching consequences if the action does not go your way, including suspension and revocation of your certifications as well as fines that can rack up to $50,000 depending upon the severity of the violation.

Does the FAA have the authority to take action against those who commit violations?

One thing that many aviation workers must keep in mind is that the FAA has the authority to take action against those who commit violations, as they see your certification as a privilege and not a right.

Examples of Informal Conference in a sentence

Any relevant comments received during the public comment period or provided during an Informal Conference are addressed in writing and provided to those who comment.

More Definitions of Informal Conference

Informal Conference means the discussion between the Department and an applicant or an agency that is held prior to a hearing to address any matters pertaining to the hearing. An administrative law judge does not

What should be written before an informal conference?

Right before the informal conference, a “smart letter” should be written explaining the company’s position on each allegation for discussion during the informal. This letter should address the facts of the allegations versus the regulations, the mitigating steps taken by the company, and explain or attach any favorable evidence. However, it should not “admit” any wrongdoing. It should also address any applicable small business aspects of the assessment.

What is the FAA's legal enforcement action?

Legal Enforcement. Legal enforcement action may be taken where the FAA legal staff determines that a violation has occurred. Action may take the form of a civil penalty or a certificate action. The FAA will issue a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty (NPCP), which is a monetary penalty levied for regulatory violations.

What is 14 CFR 13?

This session reviews 14 CFR part 13, which defines the FAA’s powers of investigation and enforcement. It walks through the rule in order to explain its organization and define the procedures and authority contained within each of the nine subparts. To support this general overview, the session highlights key sections and phrases within each subpart.

What is the purpose of informal conferences?

a) The purpose of an informal conference is to try to reach a settlement agreement. You have the opportunity to explain the violations, although informal, it is all on professional matters.

What is open skies agreement?

Open Skies agreements do this by eliminating government interference in the commercial decisions of air carriers about routes, capacity, and pricing, freeing carriers to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air service for consumers.

How long does it take to suspend a FAA certification?

You receive a Notice of Proposed Certificate Action signed by an FAA attorney notifying you that the FAA believes you have violated one or more FARs and intends to suspend your certification for 180 days. A form is attached that offers you the opportunity for an informal conference with the FAA attorney.

When is a business vicariously liable for torts committed by its employees?

A business is vicariously liable for torts committed by its employees when they are acting within the scope of their employment.

Do you have to submit additional medical information to the FAA?

Yes, you are required to submit additional medical information upon the FAA's reasonable request, at your own expense. Page 94

Can you be found negligent for a violation of the FAR?

Yes, if the FAR that you violated was intended to prevent this type of accident and the violation was a cause of the accident, then you would be found negligent as a matter of law (negligence per se).

What is an informal conference with the FAA?

The informal conference typically includes the FAA attorney and the FAA Inspector who investigated the matter, as well as the airman and his or her counsel. The purpose of the informal conference is to allow the airman to present any information that he or she believes the FAA should consider concerning the alleged violations and ultimately may involve what is essentially a pre-trial negotiation to resolve the matter.

What is the purpose of an informal conference?

The purpose of the informal conference is to allow the airman to present any information that he or she believes the FAA should consider concerning the alleged violations and ultimately may involve what is essentially a pre-trial negotiation to resolve the matter.

What documents should I bring to a FAA meeting?

12. Relevant documents. I always bring copies of any relevant documents which may include endorsements, pilot logbook entries, maintenance logbook entries, receipts (e.g. showing replacement of troublesome equipment that may have contributed to the situation), etc. While the FAA is limited as to how it may use information you present at the informal conference, it is still in your best interest to carefully review any information prior to showing it to the FAA and consider whether it could be used against you.

Can the FAA use information presented at an informal conference?

While the FAA is limited as to how it may use information you present at the informal conference, it is still in your best interest to carefully review any information prior to showing it to the FAA and consider whether it could be used against you. 13. Conclusion.

Does the FAA enforce FAA compliance?

Although the FAA is currently applying its “Compliance Philosophy” to resolve many cases involving unintentional pilot deviations or regulatory violations that result from issues like simple mistakes, flawed procedures, or diminished skills, the FAA still requires some violations of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), such as those involving intentional or reckless acts, to be resolved with a legal enforcement action.