Public Law 112-153, better known as the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (“PBR”), was signed into law on August 3, 2012, over nine years ago. Among other things, the PBR provides airmen with certain rights and access to information when subject to an investigation by the FAA.
Unfortunately, many airmen (and even some FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors) are still unfamiliar with this groundbreaking legislation, leading them to sacrifice their rights without knowing they are available.
Specifically, the PBR grants an airman subject to an investigation relating to the approval, denial, suspension, modification, or revocation of an airman certificate with the right to receive timely, written notification of such an investigation. This notification must also inform the airman of the rights granted to him or her under the PBR. So, what are your rights if investigated by the FAA?
There is an exception to the notification requirement—if the FAA determines that providing the notification could threaten the integrity of the investigation, no notification is required. However, even in this rare case, your rights still apply.
If you need help responding to an FAA investigation, AOPA’s Legal Services Plan can be reached at 800-872-2672.