Can a decision from an FAA suspension appeal be taken to a higher court?

The process of appealing an FAA suspension decision generally involves the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which serves as an administrative review body for FAA decisions. If a party is dissatisfied with the NTSB's decision regarding their appeal of an FAA suspension, they can take their case to the United States Court of Appeals, not directly to the Supreme Court. This pathway allows for judicial review of the NTSB's findings and decisions, meaning that the appeal can continue in the federal court system to ensure due process is upheld.

While the NTSB itself can make determinations on FAA suspensions, the option to escalate the matter to higher courts exists primarily through the Court of Appeals, providing an avenue for further legal challenge beyond the NTSB's review. Therefore, it's important to recognize that while the Supreme Court does hear certain cases that involve regulatory decisions, it is not a direct route following a decision made by the NTSB regarding FAA matters.

Understanding this process is crucial for anyone involved in aviation law or operations since it outlines the hierarchical structure of appeals and legal recourse available to pilots or operators subjected to FAA enforcement actions.