Opinion ID: 519601
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Prohibited Ex Parte Communication

Text: 22 Kolek next maintains that reversal is warranted because the FAA, rather than responding in writing to his motion for a stay or for a continuance, responded verbally in a conversation with the ALJ to which Kolek was not a party and of which he received no notice. Kolek contends this exchange comprised a prohibited ex parte communication because the FAA failed to give him reasonable prior notice of the exchange or to memorialize the substance of the exchange on the public record. See 49 C.F.R. Secs. 821.60 to .61 (1987). Even if the verbal response violated the prohibition against ex parte communication, the regulations do not automatically require reversal. Rather, under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 821.63, whether a prohibited communication is grounds for reversal is for the NTSB to decide according to the interests of justice. An important consideration in evaluating the effect on justice is whether a communication threatened improper influence in the decision of the substance of an appeal. See 49 C.F.R. Sec. 821.61 (prohibition does not extend to ex parte communications regarding board procedure or practice not affecting the merits of an appeal). Kolek has not explained how this verbal response to a purely procedural motion could have prejudiced the merits of his appeal. The NTSB's refusal to reverse on this ground was therefore rational and within its discretion.