Can an ALJ impose a longer suspension than what the FAA has ordered?

An administrative law judge (ALJ) has specific limitations when it comes to reviewing sanctions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The correct response emphasizes that while the ALJ can review the cases and determine the appropriateness of penalties, their authority is confined to lessening the punishment handed down by the FAA.

The reasoning behind this restriction is rooted in the regulatory framework governing aviation law and the role of the ALJ in the administrative process. The FAA's penalties are based on statutory guidelines and regulations that define how violations are to be treated, and the ALJ's role is to ensure due process and fair hearings rather than to impose harsher penalties. This is designed to maintain the integrity of regulatory enforcement while providing a check against excessively punitive actions taken by the FAA.

The other options suggest that ALJs possess broader authority, which contradicts the established understanding of their powers within the aviation law framework. This structure ensures a balanced approach to aviation safety regulation without allowing for escalating penalties at the judicial level beyond what the FAA deem appropriate.