Aviation Law Overview
Aviation Law Resources
Aviation law governs all facets of air travel. It impacts those parties that provide air travel services, such as airlines, pilots, maintenance crews, security personnel and air traffic controllers. It also affects those that purchase air travel services, such as passengers and couriers.
Federal Aviation Law
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) serve as the primary federal agencies that regulate air travel.
Show Extended SummaryFeatured Cases 
- American Airlines, Inc. et al v. Federal Bureau of Investigations, et al
Plaintiff Aviation Parties seek to depose a limited number of former and current FBI employees who participated in FBI investigations of al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda operatives and have first-hand knowledge of facts that are directly relevant to Plaintiffs' defense in the personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage litigations arising out of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
New York Southern District Court
Other Statutory Actions
Filed: August 7, 2007
Plaintiff: American Airlines, Inc., AMR Corporation, UAL Corps., US Airways Group, Inc., US Airways, Inc. and others... Defendant: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robert S. Mueller, United Airlines, Inc. Amicus: The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Last Docket Report Change Found: July 14, 2008
(July 13, 2008) - PFM Air, Inc. et al v. Dr.Ing.hc.F.Porsche A.G. et al
Florida Middle District Court
Plaintiff
Filed: February 27, 2008
Plaintiff: PFM Air, Inc., Goedicke Inc of America, Peter Collinson Family, LP, AB Consulting, Inc., Pacific Aeromarine, Inc. and others...; Defendant: Dr.Ing.hc.F.Porsche A.G., Porsche Cars North America, Inc., Porsche Aviation Products, Inc., Gary Butcher
Last Docket Report Change Found: April 4, 2008
(April 3, 2008)
Dockets
- Gallo v. Delta Air Lines, Inc. et al
Kentucky Eastern District Court
Airplane
Filed: October 1, 2008
Plaintiff: Kelly T. Gallo; Defendant: Delta Air Lines, Inc., James M. Polehinke, Comair Inc., John Does 1-20ThirdParty Defendant: United States of America
(September 30, 2008) - The Estate of Amado Masmila Balisalisa et al v. Continental Airlines, Inc. et al
Guam District Court
Airplane
Filed: October 1, 2008
Plaintiff: The Estate of Amado Masmila Balisalisa, Zenaida D. Balisalisa, Arnold D. Balisalisa, Amado D. Balisalisa, Jr., A.D.B. and others...; Defendant: Continental Airlines, Inc., Continental Micronesia, Inc., Doe Insurance Companies I Through V
(September 30, 2008) - Lesqueves et al v. Excelaire Service, Inc.
New York Eastern District Court
Airplane
Filed: September 29, 2008
Plaintiff: Laura Helena Lesqueves, Luciano De Souza Padilha, Carolina Duque Daher De Deus Michel, Margareth Misse Guidi, Marcia Machado and others...; Defendant: Excelaire Service, Inc.
(September 28, 2008) - sauer sauer v. barney frank
New Hampshire District Court
Airplane
Filed: September 26, 2008
Plaintiff: sauer sauer; Defendant: barney frank
(September 25, 2008) - Curry et al v. Fly-N-Dollar Helicopter Service, LLC et al
Kentucky Western District Court
Airplane
Filed: September 26, 2008
Plaintiff: Sean Dennis Curry, Sean Dennis Curry, Sean Dennis Curry, Barbara Jo Curry, Barbara Jo Curry and others... Defendant: Fly-N-Dollar Helicopter Service, LLC, Aubry Dawn Noble, Noble Aviation, LLC
(September 25, 2008)
Legislation
- Bill Enacted: H.R.2638 Disaster Relief and Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008
Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
September 30, 2008: Became Public Law No: 110-329.
(September 28, 2008) - Bill Enacted: H.R.6984 Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008, Part II
To amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.
September 30, 2008: Became Public Law No: 110-330.
(September 28, 2008) - Bill Sent To President: H.R.6063 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization ...
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.
September 27, 2008: Cleared for White House.
(September 25, 2008) - Bill Introduced: H.R.6947 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009
Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.
(September 16, 2008) - Bill Introduced: H.R.6606 To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to impose requirements ...
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to impose requirements for the improvement of security camera and video surveillance systems at certain airports, and for other purposes.
(July 22, 2008)
Regulations
- Proposed Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Conroe, TX
Federal Aviation Administration
Proposed Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Conroe, TX,
58512-58513 [E8-23753]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0960; Airspace Docket No. 08-ASW-17] Proposed Establishment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Conroe, TX AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class D airspace and Class E Surface Area airspace at Lone Star Executive Airport, Conroe, TX. The establishment of an air traffic control tower has made these... [read document]
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(October 6, 2008) - Proposed Rule - Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents or Incidents and Overdue ...
National Transportation Safety Board
Proposed Rule
Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents or Incidents and Overdue Aircraft, and Preservation of Aircraft Wreckage, Mail, Cargo, and Records,
58520-58526 [E8-23665]
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD 49 CFR Part 830 Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents or Incidents and Overdue Aircraft, and Preservation of Aircraft Wreckage, Mail, Cargo, and Records AGENCY: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: The NTSB is proposing to amend its regulations concerning notification and reporting requirements with regard to aircraft accidents or incidents. The existing regulations (49 CFR 830.5) do not... [read document]
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(October 6, 2008) - Proposed Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
Federal Aviation Administration
Proposed Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Boeing Model 727 Airplanes,
58509-58512 [E8-23668]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2008-1065; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-126-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require, among other actions, installing new ground fault... [read document]
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(October 6, 2008) - Proposed Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Edinburg, TX
Federal Aviation Administration
Proposed Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Edinburg, TX,
58513-58514 [E8-23768]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0985; Airspace Docket No. 08-ASW-18] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Edinburg, TX AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at South Texas International Airport, Edinburg, TX. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at South... [read document]
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(October 6, 2008) - Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BAe. ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BAe.125 Series 800A (including C 29A and U-125) Airplanes, and Hawker Beechcraft Model Hawker 800XP Airplanes,
58436-58438 [E8-23400]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0976; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-145-AD; Amendment 39-15685; AD 2008-21-01] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BAe.125 Series 800A (including C-29A and U-125) Airplanes, and Hawker Beechcraft Model Hawker 800XP Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new... [read document]
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(October 6, 2008)
Government
- Notice - Meetings: Civil Supersonic Aircraft Panel Discussion
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Meetings:
Civil Supersonic Aircraft Panel Discussion,
58701-58702 [E8-22898]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Civil Supersonic Aircraft Panel Discussion AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of meeting participation. SUMMARY: This notice advises interested persons that the FAA is participating in a panel session on civil supersonic aircraft research. The session will include presentations on current research programs and a question and answer session for attendees. The FAA is seeking to raise public awareness of... [read document]
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(October 6, 2008) - Notice - Intent to Rule on Request to Release Airport Land: Nenana Airport, Nenana, AK
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Intent to Rule on Request to Release Airport Land:
Nenana Airport, Nenana, AK,
58293-58294 [E8-23563]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Rule on Request To Release Airport Land at Nenana Airport, Nenana, AK AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of Request to Release Airport Land. SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to rule and invites public comment on the release of approximately 15.61 acres of airport property at Nenana Airport, Nenana, Alaska, from all restrictions of the... [read document]
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(October 5, 2008) - Notice - Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received,
57403 [E8-23234]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2008-44] Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of petition for exemption received. SUMMARY: This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither... [read document]
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(October 1, 2008) - Notice - Intent to Rule on Request to Abandon Tatum Airport; Tatum, NM
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Intent to Rule on Request to Abandon Tatum Airport; Tatum, NM,
57402-57403 [E8-23262]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Rule on Request To Abandon Tatum Airport, Tatum, NM AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of intent to abandon airport property. SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the abandonment of the Tatum Airport, Tatum, NM, under provisions of Title 49, U.S.C. Section 47107(h) and to release the State of New Mexico as airport sponsor from the Airport Improvement... [read document]
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(October 1, 2008) - Notice - Waiver of Aeronautical Land-Use Assurance: Mansfield Lahm International Airport, ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Waiver of Aeronautical Land-Use Assurance:
Mansfield Lahm International Airport, Mansfield, OH,
57403-57404 [E8-22982]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Public Notice for Waiver of Aeronautical Land-Use Assurance; Mansfield Lahm International Airport, Mansfield, OH AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of intent of waiver with respect to land. SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal to change a portion of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use and to authorize the sale of the airport property. The proposal... [read document]
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(October 1, 2008)
News
- Swedish Spaceport awaits government go-ahead
Flight International - 2 hours ago
Spaceport Sweden is now waiting to hear from its government's commerce ministry on whether current domestic aviation and sounding rocket law are sufficient ...
(October 6, 2008) - Council votes to oppose port development plan
San Diego Union Tribune, United States - 3 hours ago
–MTH The locally based Navy cruiser Mobile Bay, frigate Curts and several aviation units will return home this week following a deployment to the Persian ...
(October 6, 2008) - Petrom acquires additional 20.87% stake in Petrom Aviation
Energy Business Review - 2 hours ago
Petrom will launch a mandatory public takeover offer to the remaining shareholders of Petrom Aviation in accordance with applicable law. ...
(October 6, 2008) - SC dismisses Deccan Aviation's plea for relief
Hindu, India - 2 hours ago
Submitting that the high court cannot direct it to pay the respondent, the low-cost airlines said its petition raised an important question of law with ...
(October 6, 2008) - FAA Adds Schools Offering Air Traffic Controller Training
Occupational Health Safety, TX - 5 hours ago
The Federal Aviation Administration has selected eight additional colleges or universities to participate in the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative ...
(October 6, 2008)
Blog Posts
- GAO Declares FAA Does Not Have Legal Authority to Auction Slots
The GAO, in a legal opinion issued September 30, 2008, declared that "FAA currently lacks the authority to auction arrival and departure slots, and thus also lacks authority to retain and use auction proceeds." This legal opinion came as a result of a Congressional request. In April and May, 2008, the FAA issued proposed regulations to conduct auctions of the airport arrival and departure slots at LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports. (See, FAA Proposes Congestion Management Rule for JFK and...
(September 30, 2008) - GAO Issues Report To House Committee on Transportation Regarding FAA's Issuance of Medical ...
The Government Accountability Office issued a report to the Chairman of the U.S House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure entitled "FAA Has Taken Steps to Determine That It Has Made Correct Medical Certification Decisions" on September 30, 2008. In 2005, a joint investigation known as "Operation Safe Pilot" was conducted by the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General, and California's U.S. Attorney...
(September 30, 2008) - House Aviation Subcommittee Conducts Hearing on Runway Safety
The U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation met on September 25, 2008 to receive testimony on runway safety. This hearing was a follow-up to the Subcommittee's February 13th hearing. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) stated in his opening remarks that although the U.S. air transportation system is the safest in the world, there remain many issues to be addressed to keep it that way. In particular, he was concerned about the fact that although air traffic is down by 3% for the first six months of 2008...
(September 25, 2008) - FAA Proposes to Have Airports Include a List of Based Aircraft On All AIP Grant Applications
On September 8, 2008, the FAA published a notice in the Federal Register (73 Fed.Reg. 52074) that it is proposing to modify the standard grant application requirements that are required of a sponsor of a non-primary airport before receiving a grant under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This modification would require that a sponsor of a nonprimary airport submit a list of the aircraft (both fixed wing and rotary wing) that are based on the airport. The FAA invites public comments on this...
(September 24, 2008) - The "Tragedy of the Commons" and Airport Congestion Management
In 1968, Garrett Hardin, a professor of Human Ecology at University of California at Santa Barbara, wrote an influential article for the journal Science that described a dilemma in which multiple individuals acting independently in their own self-interest can ultimately destroy a shared resource even where it is clear that it is not in anyone's long term interest for this to happen. Prof. Hardin titled this dilemma and his article the "Tragedy of the Commons." The current situation at this...
(September 21, 2008)