WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stunning and unanimous decision, the United States Court of Appeals for The District of Columbia Circuit has ruled in favor of airline pilot Michael Solondz, marking a significant milestone in his more than seven-year battle against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to regain his medical certification and return to the cockpit.
The case originated in 2018 when Solondz, an airline pilot employed by SkyWest Airlines, began experiencing anxiety and sleep difficulties following the passing of his father. In response, Solondz proactively self-grounded and sought treatment from medical professionals. After exploring several medications, Solondz and his doctors successfully settled on Remeron (mirtazapine), which effectively treated both his situational anxiety and sleep function. Once both he and his medical team determined he was ready and able to return to work, Solondz initiated the arduous FAA process to obtain a Special Issuance Medical Certificate.
Unfortunately, Solondz's pursuit was met with persistent challenges. From the outset, his application was plagued by clerical errors, including instances where the FAA failed to deliver his paperwork to the appropriate parties or simply lost his file completely. After overcoming these administrative frustrations, Solondz ultimately faced an objective denial based solely on the FAA's policy against the use of Remeron.
In November 2024, Solondz filed suit in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The core of his complaint asserted that the FAA's denial was arbitrary and capricious, lacking the necessary individual case analysis. Oral arguments were heard by a panel of judges in February 2025.
After four months of deliberation, the panel delivered a decisive ruling, detailed in an 18-page opinion. Closing their opinion, the judges stated: “We conclude that the Final Denial Letter was arbitrary and capricious because the FAA has not adequately articulated a rationale for its policy categorically barring pilots under treatment with mirtazapine (Remeron) from Special Issuance medical certification.”
When asked about the monumental decision, Solondz shared, “This decision just confirms what I’ve known all along: that my choice to self-ground and address my health concerns, ensuring I wouldn't jeopardize the flying public, was the right decision at the time. I sincerely hope the FAA will take the court’s guidance to heart, do their part, and issue my certificate without further delay.”
He added, “Over the past few years, mental health in aviation has, quite rightly, moved into the spotlight. I believe we're at a crossroads in this industry. Rather than focusing on what was, I'm choosing to envision what could be. I deeply hope that pilots are not only encouraged but also enabled by the FAA to get the help they need. The public deserves safe pilots, and pilots deserve a system that unequivocally supports their well-being and safety.”
