Originally Posted by NoyGonnaDoIt

It is, although the first act of the attorney might not be what you think.

My personal take: "Talk to an attorney, not the inspector" is generally the safest overall advice. But the attorney's advice might well be to talk to the inspector. It depends on the reason for the investigation, the pilot, the attorney and the inspector.

When the FAA talks about enforcement it also talks about having a "compliant attitude." The pilot who admits a mistake might avoid enforcement action by being up-front and honest. Or, he might be unwittingly giving the FAA exactly the information it needs to nail him.

Trouble is, most of us are pretty bad judges of which it will be, especially when it's our own butts on the line. That's why not talking is generally safer than talking.

And the sometimes "benefit" of talking is where a knowledgeable attorney can help, although even then, it's more art than science. But at least with an attorney, you're getting independent professional judgment to help with your own decision.