Can the full NTSB's decision be appealed further, and if so, to whom?

The full decision of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) can indeed be appealed, and the correct avenue for that appeal is to a court of appeals. When an individual or entity is dissatisfied with the NTSB's final order regarding an aviation matter, such as safety violations, enforcement actions, or certificate actions, they may petition for review in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.

This process is grounded in the Administrative Procedure Act and specific statutory provisions that outline the appellate process for decisions made by administrative agencies like the NTSB. Typically, the appeal to a court of appeals allows for a broader judicial review of the proceedings, ensuring that there has been no abuse of discretion, violation of laws, or misinterpretation of regulations in reaching the NTSB's decision.

Appeals to a district court would not be appropriate as they do not have jurisdiction to review NTSB decisions. Similarly, while the FAA is involved in many aviation regulations and decisions, appeals specifically go to the court of appeals rather than being handled internally by the FAA. This structured appellate process emphasizes the checks and balances inherent in administrative law, allowing affected parties to challenge decisions in the judicial system if they believe there has been a legal misstep by the NTS