The Pilot Lawyer Podcast

Conditions the FAA Won't Certify

On this episode, the Ison Brothers, along with Bailey Nagle, tackle the controversial topic of medical conditions that can ground pilots for good. Find out which diagnoses the FAA refuses to budge on and why a misdiagnosis isn't always the end of the runway. Discover surprising ways pilots have fought back and won, even when the odds seemed impossible. This unscripted chat offers stories, expert insights, and a dose of humor that makes even the regulations entertaining. If you've ever wondered where hope fits into FAA decision-making, you won't want to miss this episode. Show Highlights * Learn to understand the standards that could deny your approval [01:59] * Discover the conditions not referenced by the name of the regulation [04:51] * How might individuals with disqualifying conditions still obtain a medical certificate? [05:36] * What if you were misdiagnosed? [12:30] * Discover the special issuance protocol for Type 1 Diabetes [15:45] * This is when you cannot go to the NTSB [18:23] * Here is why transparency in the application process is necessary [20:42] For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/ [https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/]

FAA Disqualifying Medications

This episode brings you straight into the tricky world of FAA medical certification, with insights from the Ison brothers and their team. Find out why finding the official list of disqualifying drugs feels like a scavenger hunt, and hear real stories of pilots who learned the hard way. Curious if your prescription might flag you with the FAA, or how to protect your license if a doctor prescribes something unexpected? Join the conversation for smart, practical tips - and a few laughs - they wish every aviator knew before filling that next prescription. This episode might save your flying career. Show Highlights * Do you know which medications the FAA bans? [02:20] * What should you ask your doctor before starting a new medication? [05:38] * Here is how you answer question 17A on the application [08:35] * Discover how an occasional use of a med can disqualify you [14:38] * This is what you need to know about antidepressants [15:18] * How to develop a strategy when taking a disqualifying medication? [19:01] * Learn more about the FAA's Pharmacological Division's role [21:08] * This week's cockpit conundrum will guide you all about 61.53 [28:20] * Remember this when you are vaping with friends [31:21] For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/ [https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/]

Reporting a DUI to the FAA

In this episode, the Ison brothers welcome their newest attorney, Bailey Nagle, and together they share candid stories, quick-witted banter, and practical advice on navigating the confusing maze of license suspensions, legal jargon, and deadlines. Find out the truth behind the FAA's reporting rules, why a technicality could save your certificate, and what happens if you miss an important step. The team breaks down real-world scenarios and common mistakes that trip up even seasoned aviators. Whether you're new to flying or a veteran of the skies, you won't want to miss the hard-earned tips and unexpected laughs packed into this episode. Show Highlights * How to report to the FAA when arrested for a motor vehicle action? [03:53] * Here is your complete guide for understanding the DUI laws [07:35] * Discover the variability factor within the driving records [11:36] * Learn the differences between 61.15 reporting and new medical application demands [14:57] * Ready for this week's cockpit conundrum about DUI convictions? [17:38] * This is how you handle a DUI conviction in Florida [21:55] * Can you still report to the FAA after 60 days? [29:30] * Learn why a DUI conviction and license suspension require separate reports [34:44] For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/ [https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/]

FAA Medicals and MOSAIC

In this episode, the Ison brothers mix sharp legal advice with candid stories and a touch of self-deprecating humor as they discuss the new Mosaic rule and what it really means for pilots hoping to fly under light sport privileges. Wondering if a medical deferral ends your flying dreams, or if your driver's license is enough to keep you in the cockpit? They pull back the curtain on misconceptions and walk you through real scenarios, all while keeping things light and entertaining. Don't miss this honest, practical chat straight from a team that lives and breathes aviation law. Show Highlights * Discover how MOSAIC affects your eligibility to operate [06:48] * What if your most recent medical application has been suspended [09:22] * Here is the link between driving licenses and the aviation world [11:01] * Find out the changes that occurred after MOSAIC [16:44] * Does a deferral equate to ineligibility for light sport privileges? [19:37] * How do the FAA's selective responses shape legal interpretations? [20:22] * This is when you should not apply for an FAA medical certificate [23:29] For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/ [https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/]

Appealing a FAA Medical Denial to the NTSB

In this episode, the Ison brothers pull back the curtain on the step-by-step process of challenging an FAA denial before the NTSB. You'll hear real talk about what kinds of denials can actually be appealed, when a special issuance is your best bet, and why simply missing a box on your application could put your flying future at risk. With plenty of humor and a few unexpected stories, they make even the most confusing FAA rules easy to follow. Tune in and find out how you can keep your aviation dreams alive, even when the paperwork seems stacked against you. Show Highlights * This is when you don't need to go to the NTSB [05:19] * Do you know how a special issuance can help you? [06:50] * What would you need as proof at the NTSB? [09:32] * Discover important facts about VA disability and medical application reporting [13:11] * Learn about specifically vs non-specifically disqualifying conditions [20:53] * What happens after you get a discretionary denial? [22:29] * How is your medical file the cornerstone of your defense? [26:31] * Learn the process of filing a petition with the NTSB [28:18] For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/ [https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/]