No statutory form for first appeal — use plain paper addressed to “The First Appellate Authority” of the same public authority. Format below works for any state.
Hand-deliver to PIO office (FAA is usually senior officer there). Get receipt.
FREE under §19(1) — no fee allowed.
30 days statutory (extendable to 45 with written reasons) under §19(6).
Forms get “lost”, “incomplete”, “wrong section” — RTI brings out the actual file noting and officer name, which usually resolves the issue within 15 days.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.