If a judge feels the FAA is too lenient in a suspension case, what action can the judge take?

The assertion that a judge can only lessen the punishment in a case related to FAA suspensions is not entirely accurate. In aviation law, particularly concerning regulatory actions taken by the FAA, a judge has the authority to impose a range of sanctions based on the specifics of the case and the judge's assessment of the FAA's previous actions.

If a judge believes that the FAA's disciplinary response has been too lenient, they are empowered to increase the severity of the penalty, which can include imposing a longer suspension period or even ordering an immediate revocation of the certificate involved. This flexibility is vital, as it allows the judicial system to ensure that consequences align with the severity of the misconduct.

Therefore, the correct understanding of a judge's authority in such scenarios is that they have a spectrum of actions available, including potentially harsher penalties, rather than being limited to simply reducing the FAA's sanctions. This ensures that aviation safety and compliance are adhered to with the seriousness they require.