Aviation Blog

June 8, 2021 | Pilot Law

Aviation Lawyer For My FAA Medical Certificate?

Often, we are asked by prospective clients, “do I need an aviation lawyer for my FAA medical certificate?” This question usually comes from airmen who have spoken with an Aviation Medical Examiner (“AME”) before calling The Ison Law Firm. Without naming names, there are a handful of AMEs that constantly question why an airman would […]

June 7, 2021 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Denied Because of a Colostomy Bag

Is your FAA medical denied because of a colostomy bag? Having a history of ileostomy or colostomy may not necessarily mean you are ineligible for a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate. An applicant with an ileostomy or colostomy may receive FAA consideration in some circumstances and qualify for aeromedical certification. In situations where the airman […]

June 6, 2021 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical Denied Because of Previous Suicide Attempts

Is your FAA medical denied because of previous suicide attempts? Having a history of suicide attempts is not one of the specifically disqualifying conditions found in 14 C.F.R. Part 67. In other words, you will not find a specific provision within the Federal Aviation Regulations which specifically states that if you have had a history […]

March 7, 2021 | Pilot Law

Getting a FAA Medical Certificate with a Misdemeanor

Getting a FAA medical certificate with a misdemeanor on your record is not impossible. Oftentimes a single misdemeanor conviction may not be significant to your eligibility for FAA medical certification, meaning that deferral by your Aviation Medical Examiner (“AME”) won’t be warranted. The relevant consideration, however, is what the misdemeanor charge was for and how […]

March 5, 2021 | Pilot Law

Fighting a DOT alcohol test?

Fighting a DOT alcohol test? Something every airman fighting a DOT alcohol test should consider is whether the Evidentiary Breath Test (EBT) instrument was producing accurate results. If not, it may be possible to successfully challenge a positive, random alcohol test under 14 C.F.R. § 120.

March 3, 2021 | Pilot Law

Can I Get a FAA Medical Certificate with a TBI?

Can I Get a FAA Medical Certificate with a TBI? This is a question that we are asked frequently by airmen who have had a head injury. This firm most frequently sees airmen attempting to achieve FAA medical certification despite a history of traumatic brain injury (“TBI”) resulting from an automobile or aircraft accident, a fall, […]

March 2, 2021 | Pilot Law

FAA Medical and VA Benefits for PTSD

Is it possible to obtain a FAA medical certificate and VA benefits for PTSD? There are many veterans who hold medical certificates with the FAA, despite actively receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”). While every case is different, the FAA typically considers an airman’s current mental health status, […]

February 26, 2021 | Pilot Law

FAA Civil Penalties for Drug Abatement Violations

FAA civil penalties for drug abatement violations can put a big dent in a small company’s pocketbook. If you are an air carrier or other certificate holder which is required to conduct DOT drug and alcohol testing for “safety sensitive” employees, the FAA can levy civil penalties for violations of regulatory, testing requirements. Specifically, companies […]

February 19, 2021 | Pilot Law

FAA is Unable to Establish Your Medical Eligibility

Did you receive a letter stating that the FAA is unable to establish your medical eligibility? This language is not particularly a cause for alarm. The FAA may conduct a reexamination of your eligibility to hold a medical certificate pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §67.413. This regulation authorizes the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine to request […]

February 9, 2021 | Drone Law | Pilot Law

Drone Operations Near Super Bowl LV

Drone Operations near the Super Bowl LV could lead to substantial fines from the FAA. Many novice and hobbyist Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or “drone” operators may be in for a big shock if caught operating a drone in defiance of the FAA’s Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during the Super Bowl LV. On February 7, […]