why should a pilot talk to an attorney if the faa takes action against your license?

by Keyon Smitham 5 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.

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What does an aviation lawyer do?

The FAA has authority to issue orders assessing a civil penalty of up to $400,000 against persons other than individuals and small business concerns and up to $50,000 against individuals and small business concerns. Generally, the penalty for each violation ranges from $1,100 to $27,500, depending on the provision violated and the category of ...

What happens when the FAA receives a letter of Investigation?

"Hi, I'm from the FAA, Can We Talk?" by Dwayne Keating: A Legal Perspective Your pilot's license—even your ATP license that you use to fly big jets for thousands of dollars a year—is just that, a license. It's not a right, and you aren't guaranteed by …

What information should a pilot review before contacting the FAA facility?

Aug 17, 2012 · What should a pilot do when the FAA "wants to talk?" The request for dialogue might come in a letter or a telephone call from an FAA inspector. It could be a controller's question to you over the radio or a request that you telephone the tower after landing. Whenever the FAA wants to initiate a conversation to explain some incident involving your flying …

What should a pilot do if they have an accident?

Jun 14, 2018 · The FAA continues to interpret this exception reasonably. Here is the one exception to the immunity aspect of the program that is frequently misunderstood. Immunity will not be granted if, in the previous five years, the pilot has been involved in an FAA enforcement action and found to be in violation of any part of the regulations.

What happens if you violate FAA regulations?

Generally, the penalty for each violation ranges from $1,100 to $27,500, depending on the provision violated and the category of the alleged violator: individual serving as an airman, individual not serving as an airman, small business concern, or someone other than an individual or small business concern.

Can the FAA fine pilots?

The FAA can also impose civil penalties or seize aircraft for alleged violations of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). The purpose of this article is to fa- miliarize lawyers with the legal principles and governmen- tal policy considerations that apply in these proceedings.

What is an FAA administrative action?

“Administrative Actions” are the least forceful, and generally results from a minor. technical violation with no impact on aviation safety. According to the FAA, “The.Jun 30, 2014

What is an FAA violation?

Every pilot dreads the idea of receiving an FAA violation. ... The program encourages pilots, controllers and others to submit reports of unsafe flying conditions or events that occurred during flight. In exchange, a person cannot be penalized for the contents of the report.May 27, 2014

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.

Does FAA enforce ICAO?

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the governing body of civil aviation. ... The ICAO is a specialized United Nations agency which was established in 1944 to coordinate and reach global consensus on international civil aviation standards and recommended practices (SARPs).

When would the FAA investigate a far violation?

When the FAA receives notice and evidence to show that a certificate holder (mechanic, repair station, air carrier, pilot etc.) may have violated one or more of the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”), an FAA aviation safety inspector is assigned to perform an investigation.Apr 1, 2020

How do you respond to an FAA letter of investigation?

Do I have to Respond to a Letter of Investigation? No, you are not obligated to responds to an LOI. The letter requests a response within 10 days of receipt, but the FAA legally cannot make adverse inferences or take adverse action against you for failing to respond.Sep 20, 2019

Are FAA regulations law?

FAA Regulations means all present and future laws, rules, and regulations promulgated by the FAA and all orders issued by the FAA pertaining to or affecting the Components.

What powers does the FAA have?

Its powers include air traffic management, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles.

What is the punishment for pilot deviation?

A pilot deviation is an action of or by a pilot that results in a failure to comply with an ATC clearance and/or instruction. The penalties for pilot deviations can range anywhere from a FAA Administrative or Enforcement Action, a “709” ride requirement, or even death.Oct 27, 2015

What happens if you don't pay an FAA civil penalty?

If a respondent does not pay a civil penalty imposed by an order imposing civil penalty or a compromise order within 60 days after service of the final order, the FAA may refer the order to the United States Department of Treasury or Department of Justice to collect the civil penalty.

What is the FAA responsible for?

This Act transferred air safety regulation from the Civil Aeronautics Board to the new FAA, and also gave the FAA sole responsibility for a common civil-military system of air navigation and air traffic control. Accordingly, the FAA is the administrative agency responsible for promulgating, as well as enforcing, ...

What is FAA enforcement action?

An FAA enforcement action is an administrative action taken against a certificate holde r (one who holds a license to engage in an activity regulated by the FAA) for alleged violations of the FAR’s. The FAA utilizes statutes, regulations, and internal administrative orders in the investigation and prosecution of enforcement actions.

What is the FAA?

Accordingly, the FAA is the administrative agency responsible for promulgating, as well as enforcing, regulations related to civil aviation. The delegation of authority, through the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, allows FAA inspectors to engage in compliance and enforcement activities. In a sense the FAA has broad authority in civil aviation matters ...

What is the FAA's authority?

The FAA refers suspected criminal offenses to the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for possible prosecution.

What is FAA Order 2150.3B?

FAA Order 2150.3B is the internal administrative order containing the policies, procedures, and guidelines used by the FAA regarding compliance and enforcement actions. This order also articulates the FAA's ...

How long does a pilot have to report a DUI?

In other words, the pilot must report a DUI motor vehicle action or conviction within 60 days as required by FAR 61.15, and properly report it on the next medical application. If the next medical application takes place before the pilot has made a 60-day report, the pilot must still make a separate report of the DUI action in addition ...

What happens if you drive under the influence of alcohol?

In addition to other serious consequences, driving an automobile under the influence of alcohol can affect not only your insurance rates and driving privileges but also your FAA medical certification. Chris Pezalla is a Florida licensed attorney, working with the Law Offices of Robert Strumor.