The NTSB recently upheld the revocation of an airman’s airline transport pilot and medical certificates based on his falsification of three applications for medical certificates. In Administrator v. Reynolds the airman failed to disclose 11 driver’s license suspensions that occurred over the course of his applying for three separate first class medical certificates. On each medical application, in response to Question 18.v, regarding past administrative actions, which “resulted in the denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation of driving privileges…”, the airman answered in the negative.
The FAA sought and was granted emergency revocation of the airman’s ATP and medical certificates. The emergency revocation was upheld by an ALJ after hearing. On appeal, the NTSB Board affirmed the revocations. In analyzing the case, the Board looked at three factors including (1) the falsity of the statements; (2) the materiality of the statements; and (3) whether the statements were made with knowledge of their falsity. The Board held that the airman’s negative answer and his failures to disclose the driver’s license suspensions, some of which also resulted in jail time for the airman, were false, material and made intentionally.
This case illustrates that Question 18.v does not just inquire regarding administrative motor vehicle actions relating to drugs or alcohol. It includes “any” administrative actions that result in denial, suspension, cancellation or revocation of driving privileges. If you fail to disclose an administrative action and the FAA finds out, you too could face recovation of your certificates.
