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 2, 2008
(July 1, 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
- Cain v. American Airlines, Inc.
Illinois Northern District Court
Airplane
Filed: May 15, 2008
Plaintiff: Sabine Cain Defendant: American Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, Inc.
(May 14, 2008) - Mansoor v. Air France KLM Airlines
California Southern District Court
Airplane
Filed: May 7, 2008
Plaintiff: Violette Mansoor; Defendant: Air France KLM Airlines
(May 6, 2008) - Bustos v. Alaska Airlines, Inc.
Nevada District Court
Airplane
Filed: May 2, 2008
Plaintiff: Samuel Bustos; Defendant: Alaska Airlines, Inc.
(May 1, 2008) - Pereira v. Tam Linhas Aereas et al
Florida Southern District Court
Airplane
Filed: May 1, 2008
Plaintiff: Mauricio Simonetti Pereira, Mauricio Simonetti Pereira, Mauricio Simonetti Pereira Defendant: Tam Linhas Aereas, Airbus S.A.S., Airbus Industrie G.I.E., Airbus North American Customer Services, Inc., Goodrich Corp. and others...
(April 30, 2008) - Gallo v. Delta Air Lines, Inc. et al
Florida Southern District Court
Airplane
Filed: April 25, 2008
Plaintiff: Kelly T. Gallo Defendant: Delta Air Lines, Inc., James M. Polehinke, Comair Inc., Comair Inc., Comair Inc. and others... ThirdParty Defendant: United States of America, United States of America, United States of America
(April 24, 2008)
Legislation
- Bill Introduced: S.3036 Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008
A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes.
(May 18, 2008) - Bill Introduced: H.R.6063 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.
(May 13, 2008) - Bill Introduced: H.R.5982 Biometric Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, for purposes of transportation security, to conduct a study on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport, and for other purposes.
(May 5, 2008) - Bill Introduced: H.R.5909 COVERT Act of 2008
To amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to prohibit advance notice to certain individuals, including security screeners, of covert testing of security screening procedures for the purpose of enhancing transportation security at airports, and for other purposes.
(April 22, 2008) - Bill Introduced: S.11 Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act of 2007
A bill to provide liability protection to volunteer pilot nonprofit organizations that fly for public benefit and to the pilots and staff of such nonprofit organizations, and for other purposes.
(December 17, 2007)
Regulations
- Rule - Establishment of Low Altitude Area Navigation Route (T-Route): Southwest Oregon
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Establishment of Low Altitude Area Navigation Route (T-Route):
Southwest Oregon,
38109-38110 [E8-15020]
Rules and Regulations Federal Register DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0038; Airspace Docket No. 07-ANM-16] Establishment of Low Altitude Area Navigation Route (T-Route); Southwest Oregon AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action establishes a low altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) route, designated T-274 in the State of Oregon. T-routes are low altitude Air Traffic Service (ATS)... [read document]
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(July 2, 2008) - Proposed Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Stemme GmbH and Co. KG Model S10-VT Powered Sailplanes
Federal Aviation Administration
Proposed Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Stemme GmbH and Co. KG Model S10-VT Powered Sailplanes,
38160-38162 [E8-15177]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0685; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-039-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH and Co. KG Model S10-VT Powered Sailplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD.... [read document]
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(July 2, 2008) - Proposed Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Boeing Model 747 100, 747 100B, 747 100B SUD, 747 ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Proposed Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Boeing Model 747 100, 747 100B, 747 100B SUD, 747 200B, 747 200C, 747 200F, 747 300, 747 400, 747 400D, 747 400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes,
37900-37903 [E8-14974]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0731; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-058-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747- 100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede... [read document]
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(July 1, 2008) - Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Dornier Model 328-100 Airplanes
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Dornier Model 328-100 Airplanes,
37795-37797 [E8-14205]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0297; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-330-AD; Amendment 39-15586; AD 2008-13-23] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness... [read document]
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(July 1, 2008) - Rule - Airworthiness Directives: Boeing Model 757 Airplanes Equipped with Rolls Royce ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Airworthiness Directives:
Boeing Model 757 Airplanes Equipped with Rolls Royce RB211-535E Engines,
37786-37789 [E8-14190]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2007-0225; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-210-AD; Amendment 39-15583; AD 2008-13-20] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Airplanes Equipped With Rolls Royce RB211-535E Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 757 airplanes equipped with Rolls Royce RB211-535E... [read document]
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(July 1, 2008)
Government
- Notice - Meetings; Sunshine Act
National Transportation Safety Board
Notice
Meetings; Sunshine Act,
38251 [E8-15248]
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD Sunshine Act Meeting; Agenda Time and Date: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Place: NTSB Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20594. Status: The one item is open to the public. Matter To Be Considered: 8021 Highway Accident Report--Motorcoach Override of Elevated Exit Ramp, Interstate 75, Atlanta, Georgia, March 2, 2007 (HWY-07-MH-015). News Media Contact: Telephone: (202) 314-6100. Individuals requesting specific accommodations should... [read document]
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(July 2, 2008) - Notice - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,
38019-38020 [E8-15023]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Agency Information Collection Activity Seeking OMB Approval AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of a new information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on March 20, 2008,... [read document]
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(July 1, 2008) - Notice - Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc. ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.:
Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, Brownsville, TX,
38021 [E8-15021]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Rule on Request To Release Airport Property at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, Brownsville, TX AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Request to Release Airport Property. SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to rule and invite public comment on the release of land at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport under the provisions of Section 125 of the... [read document]
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(July 1, 2008) - Notice - Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc. ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.:
Development and Extension of Runway 9R/27L and Other Associated Airport Projects at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport,
38020-38021 [E8-15061]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) for the Development and Extension of Runway 9R/ 27L and Other Associated Airport Projects at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability and notice of 30-day public comment period. SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this Notice of Availability to advise the public that a... [read document]
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(July 1, 2008) - Notice - Advisory Circulars: Extended Operations and Polar Operations etc
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Advisory Circulars:
Extended Operations and Polar Operations etc.,
37526 [E8-14879]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circulars: Extended Operations (ETOPS) and Polar Operations, AC 121-42B and Extended Operations (ETOPS) and Operations in the North Polar Area, AC 135-42 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of issuance of advisory circulars. SUMMARY: The issuance of Advisory Circular (AC) 121-42B, Extended Operations (ETOPS) and Polar Operations, provides certificate holders with guidance for obtaining operational... [read document]
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(June 30, 2008)
News
- Airport funding proceeds
Wilkes Journal Patriot, NC - 7 hours ago
County Attorney Tony Triplett said the $347000 is the first portion of $957000 promised by DOT for grading to create new aviation hangar sites and extend ...
(July 3, 2008)
Moneybiz
Fani-Kayode, Borishade shun food, opt for water
The Punch, Nigeria - 2 hours ago
By Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja The two former ministers of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode and Dr. Babalola Borisade, who were on Wednesday remanded in the custody ...
Nigeria: N19.5 Billion - Panel Summons Agf, Finance Minister AllAfrica.com
Usman, Aondoakaa Absent at Aviation Probe Panel Sitting This Day
Court remands Fani-Kayode, Borishade in prison custody The Punch
This Day - AllAfrica.comall 209 news articles
(July 3, 2008)- Critical airport services could feel the heat of district judge’s ...
Del Rio Live!, TX - 20 minutes ago
By Bill Sontag Has Pico Aviation, the fixed-base operator (FBO) providing services at Del Rio International Airport, overstepped its authorities, ...
(July 3, 2008) - Hearing in Pico suit continues Monday
Del Rio News Herald, TX - 9 hours ago
Pico Aviation Ltd. filed the suit against the city June 26, and asked the judge for a temporary restraining order, pending a hearing on a temporary ...
(July 3, 2008) - Flight Safety Can't Be Compromised: HC
RedOrbit, TX - 11 hours ago
With these strong words, the Bombay high court on Tuesday stayed a recent circular issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that essentially ...
(July 3, 2008)
Blog Posts
- Court denies passenger recovery against airline for loss of itinerant robot head
Hanson v. America West Airlines, Inc. (C.D. Cal. Mar. 29, 2008). Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction or even science fiction. The passenger in this case, a roboticist, sued the airline for the loss of "an artistically and scientifically valuable robotic head modeled after famous science fiction author Philip K. Dick." According to the [...]
(June 29, 2008) - Announcement: New LL.M. Program for International Aviation Law
Beginning in January 2009, DePaul University College of Law will launch its new Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law program. With concentrations in three key areas of global practice, including International Aviation Law & Policy, the DePaul international law...
(June 22, 2008) - United and Continental's New Alliance
Less than two months after merger negotiations were called off, Continental and United Airlines announced an alliance between the two which would allow for linking international networks, technology sharing, and honoring each other's passenger benefits. Under the new agreement, Continental...
(June 19, 2008) - The Alitalia Saga Continues
The airline industry's version of Nosferatu, Italy's Alitalia, is back in the spotlight following the opening of the European Commission's investigation into whether a €300-million loan constitutes illegal state aid. This new source of lifeblood may keep the carrier animated,...
(June 16, 2008) - House Aviation Subcommittee Hears Testimony About the Air Traffic Controller Situation
Yesterday, June, 11, 2008, the House Aviation Subcommittee heard testimony (click on link for video the hearing) on a situation that is becoming more dire as every day passes - Air Traffic Controllers are retiring, leaving a dearth of qualified, trained controllers to take their places. The House Aviation Subcommittee convened the hearing to find out what can be done about the situation. First up in Panel 1, were the bureaucrats. Hank Krakowski from the FAA, Patrick Forrey from the National Air...
(June 11, 2008)