Appeals are filed in accoradance with the
Rules of Air Safety Proceedings.
Important Note: Timely filing of an appeal postpones the effective date of the order until final decision of the law judge or the Board. Following your hearing, the initial decision of the judge determines if the certificate is to be returned.
Overview
To initiate an appeal of an order amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking a certificate, you must submit a letter within 20 days of being served the order stating that you wish to appeal. This letter may be submitted via email to ALJappeals@ntsb.gov or in writing to:
Case Manager
Office of Administrative Law Judges
National Transportation Safety Board
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW
Washington, DC 20594
You may find it helpful to collect and submit information for your appeal using the
Worksheet for Appeal of FAA Order or to submit the
Appeal of FAA Order (NTSB Form 2005.2).
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
You must also serve a copy of your submission to the FAA attorney whose name appears on the order, via email or in writing at the address shown on the FAA’s order.
Acknowledgement Letter
You will get an acknowledgement letter that NTSB has received and docketed your appeal. This letter will inform you of the docket number for your appeal 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 (live or virtual) 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 August 26, 2025
