Final answer:
When a pilot's certificate is suspended by the FAA, a formal appeal can be made to the NTSB, with the possibility of further appeal to the United States Court of Appeals.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the FAA decides to suspend a pilot's certificate, the pilot has the option to make a formal appeal to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This independent federal agency is responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States and also conducts hearings on matters concerning pilot certificate suspensions. The process is formal, and the pilot can further appeal the NTSB's decision to the federal courts, specifically the relevant United States Court of Appeals, should they wish to contest the NTSB's ruling.