Aviation law is a branch of law that concerns aviation transportation and related business matters. Aviation law covers nearly all legal issues, national and international, that impact aircraft operations, navigation and maintenance, air traffic control safety, and pilot licensing requirements.

Aviation lawyers are experienced in dealing with business issues and matters related to the aviation industry and the many complexities involving the governing bodies, rules, and regulations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is commonly referenced in aviation law, an arm of the Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for the safety and issues regarding the airline industry.

What are Examples of Aviation Legal Issues?

The airline industry is regularly subjected to—and impacted by—regulations and restrictions related to trade, tax policy, and competition. Flying rules differ from ground transportation; it’s an environment prone to disputes and legal conflict. Examples of complex legal issues that arise in aviation include:

  • Crashes
  • Wrongful death and personal injury claims
  • Multinational and cross-border issues
  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Failure to comply with Standard or Special Airworthiness Certificate
  • Air traffic safety
  • Airline security issues
  • Pilot licensing concerns
  • Regulatory issues related to the FAA, DOT, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Safety Administration (TSA)

The consequences of any illegal aviation activity, claim, or accident can be directed to our experienced aviation lawyers to protect you and your business from hidden dangers and personal liability.

What Does Airworthy Mean?

For an aircraft to be “airworthy,” it must conform to a specific type of certification designated by the FAA. The plane must also be in a safe and operable condition for a pilot to be issued a Standard Airworthiness Certification, a certification all pilots must possess before operating any aircraft.

A Standard Airworthiness Certification allows for the operation of type-certificated aircraft in the following categories: standard, utility, acrobatic, commuter, transport, manned free balloons, and special classes.

This must be visible to all passengers and crew members at all times. Pilots can obtain a certification through the FAA by applying online or by mail.

How Can an Aviation Lawyer Help Me?

Air transportation is a heavily-regulated industry, and pilots, shipping companies, and any other corporation that use air transportation for business purposes can quickly get lost in the complexities of federal rules, laws, and regulations.

As such, as a pilot, you might find yourself in various situations that warrant the help of an experienced aviation lawyer. Our attorneys might step in regarding the following:

  • Aircraft transactions—leasing and purchasing an aircraft
  • Litigation
  • Regulatory matters and compliance
  • Airline security issues
  • Pilot licensing issues

Consult our attorneys before purchasing an aircraft, ahead of the certification process, and any issue related to compliance or accidents and injuries that demand aviation defense. Schedule a consultation today: 954-869-8950.