In what situation can the FAA require you to submit to reexamination while also suspending your certificate?

The ability of the FAA to require reexamination while also suspending a pilot's certificate is rooted in the agency's mandate to ensure safety in aviation and to evaluate a pilot's ongoing qualifications. When a violation occurs that raises concerns about a pilot's qualifications, this can trigger the need for reexamination to assess whether the pilot still meets the necessary standards for safe operation.

In this context, a violation that leads to significant concerns—such as reckless flying, substance abuse issues, or a severe lapse in judgment—can compromise the safety of the pilot and those around them. The FAA has the authority to act decisively by suspending the pilot's certificate to prevent any potential risk to safety while simultaneously requiring the pilot to demonstrate their competency through reexamination. This process helps to protect the public and ensure that only qualified individuals are operating aircraft.

The other scenarios do not inherently present the same level of immediate risk or concern regarding a pilot's suitability for flying. A technical error or an isolated flying incident, while serious, may not immediately warrant a full reexamination or suspension of a certificate without additional factors. Similarly, a pilot's request for reexamination does not normally trigger a suspension; rather, it is typically initiated by the FAA in response