14 C.F.R. §§ 302.214–302.218

Fourteen (14) days after the close of the oral evidentiary hearing, unless the administrative law judge determines that, under the circumstances of the case, briefs are not necessary or that the parties will require more time to prepare briefs; or

Fourteen (14) days after the filing of additional evidence called for in the order establishing further procedures if no oral evidentiary hearing is called for, unless the DOT decisionmaker determines that some other period should be allowed.

In a case that has been set for oral evidentiary hearing under § 302.210(a)(4), the administrative law judge shall adopt and serve an initial or recommended decision within one hundred thirty-six (136) days after the issuance of the order establishing further procedures unless:

In a case in which some of the issues have not been set for oral hearing under § 302.210(a)(4), the administrative law judge shall adopt and serve an initial or recommended decision within the time established by the DOT decisionmaker in the order establishing further procedures, except that that due date may be extended in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

The initial or recommended decision shall be issued by the administrative law judge fourteen (14) days after it is served. Unless exceptions are filed under § 302.217 or the DOT decisionmaker issues an order to review on his or her own initiative, an initial decision shall become effective as the final order of the Department the day it is issued. Where exceptions are timely filed or the DOT decisionmaker takes action to review on his or her own initiative, the effectiveness of the initial decision is stayed until further order of the DOT decisionmaker.

In all other respects, the provisions of § 302.31 shall apply.

Within seven (7) days after service of any initial or recommended decision of an administrative law judge, any party may file exceptions to the decision with the DOT decisionmaker.

If timely and adequate exceptions are filed, review of the initial or recommended decision is automatic.

In all other respects, the provisions of § 302.34 shall apply.

In a case in which an initial or recommended decision has been served and exceptions have been filed, any party may file a brief in support of or in opposition to any exceptions. Such briefs shall be filed within fourteen (14) days after service of the initial or recommended decision.

In a case in which no exceptions have been filed, briefs shall not be filed unless the DOT decisionmaker has taken review of the initial or recommended decision on his or her own initiative and has specifically provided for the filing of such briefs.

In all other respect, the provisions of § 302.35 shall apply.