Chapter 5. Proceedings of California Public Utilities Code >> Division 9. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 5.

The department, any member, the director, or any officer or employee of the department designated by it may hold investigations, inquiries, and hearings concerning matters covered by this part and the rules and orders of the department, and concerning accidents in aeronautics within this state. Hearings shall be open to the public and, except as provided in Section 21691, shall be held upon such call or notice as the department deems advisable. Each member of the department, the director, and every officer or employee of the department designated by it to hold any inquiry, investigation, or hearing may administer oaths and affirmations, certify to all official acts, issue subpoenas, and order the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, books, and documents. If any person fails to comply with any subpoenas or order issued under the authority of this section, the department or its authorized representative may invoke the aid of any court of general jurisdiction. The court may order such person to comply with the requirements of the subpoena or order to give evidence touching the matter in question. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt.

In order to facilitate the making of investigations by the department in the interest of public safety and promotion of aeronautics, the reports of investigations or hearings or any part of the reports, shall not be admitted in evidence or used for any purpose in any suit, action, or proceeding growing out of any matter referred to in the investigation, hearing, or report, except in case of any suit, action, or proceeding, civil or criminal, instituted by or in behalf of the department or in the name of the state under the provisions of this part or other laws of the state relating to aeronautics. Any member of the department, the director, or any officer or employee of the department shall not be required to testify to any facts ascertained in, or information gained by reason of, his official capacity, nor be required to testify as an expert witness in any suit, action, or proceeding involving any aircraft. Subject to these limitations, the department may make available to appropriate federal, state, and political subdivision agencies information and material developed in the course of its investigations and hearings.

Every order of the department requiring performance of certain acts or compliance with certain requirements shall set forth the reasons, state the acts to be done or requirements to be met, and be served upon the person affected either by registered mail or in person. Any person aggrieved by an order of the department may have the action of the department reviewed by the courts in the manner provided by law.