The Administrative Law Judges conduct formal hearings and issue initial decisions on appeals by airmen filed with the Safety Board.

Key Resources

Case Decisions Database

The NTSB serves as the "court of appeals" for any airman, mechanic or mariner whenever certificate action is taken by the Federal Aviation Administration or the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, or when civil penalties are assessed by the FAA. 

Airman Appeals Process

• Description of Airman Appeals Process
• FAQs On The Airman Appeals or Answers Process

Denial of Medical Certification

• General Information
• Medical Standards
• Disqualifying Conditions

Quick Links

• Directory of U.S. Courts of Appeals
• Hourly Fees For Services For EAJA Claims
  (Reference: 49 C.F.R. § 826.6)

Related Links

• Merchant Marine Appeal Process

The Office of General Counsel advises, assists and represents the Safety Board in support of its activities relating to transportation safety; and as sole legal advisor, has responsibility for determining legal policy for the agency. The Independent Safety Board Act of 1974, as amended  also available in PDF version

Regulations

• Jurisdiction: 49 U.S.C. § 1133
• Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings: 49 CFR Part 821
• Organization and Functions of the Board and Delegations of Authority: 49 CFR Part 800
• Public Availability of Information : 49 CFR Part 801
  • Final Rule [PDF, 81 KB]
    Regulations take effect on May 23, 200
• Rules of Procedure for Merchant Marine from Decisions of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard: 49 CFR Part 825
• Rules Implementing the Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980: 49 CFR Part 826
• Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents or Incidents and Overdue Aircraft, and Preservation of Aircraft Wreckage, Mail Cargo, and Records 49 CFR Part 830
• Accident/Incident Investigation Procedures: 49 CFR Part 831
• Testimony of Board Employees: 49 CFR Part 835
• Production of Records in Legal Proceedings: 49 CFR Part 837
• Rules of Practice in Transportation; Accident/Incident Hearings and Reports: 49 CFR Part 845
• NTSB is considered a "Public Health Authority" for purposes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). See specifically 64 FR 59956, Nov. 3, 1999 [PDF] and 45 CFR Part 164.512(b)(1)(i)

Note: above links for the Code of Federal Regulations are to the Goverment Printing Office web site, which also offers the ability to search across documents as well as access to a variety of Public and Private Laws.