Who will initially hear your appeal against an Order of Suspension issued by the FAA?

When an individual appeals an Order of Suspension issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the initial hearing of the appeal is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The role of the ALJ is crucial in aviation law, as they operate as neutral parties who impartially adjudicate disputes involving the FAA's regulatory authority and enforcement actions. The ALJ has the expertise necessary to review the evidence presented, assess the applicable regulations, and render a decision that upholds or reverses the FAA's order.

The process begins with the appeal being filed, after which the FAA assigns the case to an ALJ. The ALJ's decision can then be appealed to the FAA Administrator if either party is dissatisfied with the outcome, but the initial proceedings originate with the ALJ.

This pathway ensures that there is a structured and fair process to handle disputes, emphasizing administrative law's role within the aviation sector. The responsibilities of federal judges and FAA officials come into play later in the process if further appeals or reviews are necessary, but they do not serve as the initial body for hearing such disputes.