Petition for review are filed in accordance with the
Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings.
Overview
A petition for review of a certificate denial must be filed within 60 days after the date of service of the Administrator's denial.
To initiate a petition for review of a certificate denial, file a petition that identifies the Administrator's certificate denial action. It must also contain a complete but concise statement of the reasons why the petitioner believes the certificate denial was erroneous. Please include a copy of the denial letter for the most efficient processing of the petition. This submission may be made via email to ALJappeals@ntsb.gov and addressed to the Case Manager.
Part 67 of the Federal Aviation Regulations identifies a list of specifically disqualifying medical conditions that can be
found here.
Document Submission
Signature Guidance
If you are filing documents by email, you must sign your email by typing your name at the bottom of it. See
49 CFR 821.7(a)(3). For formal filings sent as PDF files, acceptable signature methods include:
- s-signature (“/s/ John Doe”),
- e-signature (electronic signature),
- digital signature, and
- scan of a wet ink signature.
OALJ does not accept unsigned filings.
Attachment Guidance
Send all attachments as a single PDF file. Please do not submit multiple attachments, or attachments in Word, JPEG, or other formats.
OALJ does not accept links to document sharing services such as Dropbox or Google Drive for security reasons.
Secure Messaging
If you are submitting documents that include personally identifiable information, such as your certificate number, your address or medical information, please use the Document Submission button below to access our secure email system. This button will take you to a secure email page where you can enter a subject line, attach the relevant documents, and press the submit button to send your message.
Timeline Sequence
Acknowledgement Letter
You will get an acknowledgement letter that NTSB has received and docketed your petition. This letter will inform you of the docket number for your petition and provide you with information about the FAA’s requirement to file a complaint to which you must provide an Answer.
Case Assignment
You will get an acknowledgment letter when your case has been assigned to a judge. This letter will provide you with further information about filing documents related to your case.
Prehearing Teleconference
The assigned judge will notify you of the time and date for a Prehearing Teleconference. Points for discussion at the teleconference will be the steps leading up to the hearing.
Prehearing Order
You will receive a Prehearing Order that provides information about the general rules regarding your hearing.
Notice of Hearing
You will be formally notified of the date, time, and location of your Hearing.
Hearing
At your hearing(s), all parties are given an opportunity to present oral and documentary evidence, to submit evidence and rebuttal, to conduct cross examinations and to make arguments. You may be accompanied, represented and advised by counsel or other qualified representatives. A court reporter is present and a copy of the transcript will be provided to you. Hearings can last from several hours to many days, however, a typical hearing lasts 1-2 days.
Decision
Following the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will issue a decision and inform you of your appeal rights.
Updated Feb .12, 2026
