“The FAA issued an Emergency Revocation for my airman certificate, what should I do?” No airman wants to ask this question; however, more often the FAA is issuing Emergency Revocations (because they have the authority to do so per the FARs) for airman and medical certificate for issues of unreported DUI convictions, unreported driver’s license suspensions, and failed DOT drug tests. If your airman certificate is subject to an Emergency Revocation, what should you do? Well, the first thing you should do is note the timeframe you have to file a Notice of Appeal. From the date of the Emergency Order (the date on the top of the document) you will have only 10 days to file your appeal with the National Transportation Safety Board (and carbon copied to the FAA attorney). If you don’t file your appeal in a timely fashion (within 10 days), your appeal will be considered stale. So, there is no room for procrastination when you receive an emergency order.
Next, you should consult with an aviation attorney. Perhaps this seems like a plug for our services here at The Ison Law Firm; however, the FAA will couch the Emergency Revocation in such a way that it will look like there is no way out. Do not fall for this trap. It is possible that a competent aviation attorney can review the EIR (the numerous evidentiary documents the FAA sends with the Emergency Revocation) and develop a defense in your case. There are lots of defenses available in an Emergency Revocation situation, so please consult with an aviation attorney and allow him or her to review your potential defenses.
If you are facing an Emergency Order of Revocation for your airman certificate, do not despair! Call an aviation attorney as soon as you receive your Emergency Revocation- at least before the 10 day Notice of Appeal deadline. Your aviation attorney at The Ison Law Firm is standing by to vector you through your legal turbulence; call today at 1-855-FAA-1215.