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: May 2, 2008
(May 1, 2008) - PFM Air, Inc. et al v. Dr.Ing.hc.F.Porsche A.G. et al
Florida Middle District Court
Airplane Product Liability
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 Enacted: H.R.4343 Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act
To amend title 49, United States Code, to modify age standards for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations.
December 14, 2007: Became Public Law No: 110-135.
(December 12, 2007) - Bill Introduced: S.2345 American Infrastructure Investment and Improvement Act of 2007
An original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and to extend the financing for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.
(November 11, 2007) - Bill Introduced: S.2276 Aeronautics Competitiveness Act of 2007
A bill to enhance United States competitiveness in aeronautics, and for other purposes.
(October 29, 2007) - Bill Introduced: S.2265 An Act to extend the existing provisions regarding the eligibility for ...
An Act to extend the existing provisions regarding the eligibility for essential air service subsidies through fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes.
(October 28, 2007) - Bill Signed by President: S.1 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process.
September 14, 2007: Signed by President.
(September 12, 2007)
Regulations
- Rule - Amendment of Class E Airspace: Waynesburg, PA
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Amendment of Class E Airspace: Waynesburg, PA,
28320-28321 [E8-10425]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2007-0022; Airspace Docket 07-AEA-07] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Waynesburg, PA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; correction. SUMMARY: This action amends the Class E airspace area at Waynesburg, PA, to accommodate a new Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) that has been developed for Green County Airport. As a result, controlled airspace extending upward... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 15, 2008) - Rule - Amendment of Class E Airspace: Seneca, PA
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Amendment of Class E Airspace:
Seneca, PA,
28032-28033 [E8-10432]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2007-0277; Airspace Docket No. 07-AEA-17] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Seneca, PA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule, confirmation of effective date. SUMMARY: This action confirms the effective date of a direct final rule published in the Federal Register (73 FR 8595) that establishes Class E Airspace at Seneca, PA to support a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 14, 2008) - Rule - Amendment of Class E Airspace: Bradford, PA
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Amendment of Class E Airspace:
Bradford, PA,
28032 [E8-10430]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2007-0310; Airspace Docket No. 07-AEA-21] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Bradford, PA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule, confirmation of effective date. SUMMARY: This action confirms the effective date of a direct final rule published in the Federal Register (73 FR 9443) that modifies Class E Airspace at Bradford, PA. The modified controlled airspace from nearby... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 14, 2008) - Rule - Amendment of Class E Airspace: Franklin, PA
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Amendment of Class E Airspace:
Franklin, PA,
27721 [E8-10421]
Rules and Regulations Federal Register DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA-2007-0279; Airspace Docket No. 07-AEA-19] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Franklin, PA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule, confirmation of effective date. SUMMARY: This action confirms the effective date of a direct final rule published in the Federal Register (73 FR 9439) that modifies Class E Airspace at Franklin, PA. The... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 13, 2008) - Rule - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure ...
Federal Aviation Administration
Rule
Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments,
27725-27727 [E8-10546]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 97 [Docket No. 30607; Amdt. No 3268] Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This Rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes STANDARD Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 13, 2008)
Government
- Notice - Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received,
28546-28547 [E8-11011]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2008-19] 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]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 15, 2008) - Notice - Petitions for Exemption; Summary of Petitions Received
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Petitions for Exemption; Summary of Petitions Received,
28547-28548 [E8-11010]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2008-23] Petitions for Exemption; Summary of Petitions Received AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of petitions for exemption received. SUMMARY: This notice contains a summary of certain petitions 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... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 15, 2008) - Notice - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,
28184 [E8-10577]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Request Revision From the Office of Management and Budget of a Currently Approved Information Collection Activity, Request for Comments; Aircraft Registration AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. The... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 14, 2008) - Notice - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,
28183 [E8-10571]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Request Revision From the Office of Management and Budget of a Currently Approved Information Collection Activity, Request for Comments; Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 14, 2008) - Notice - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,
28182 [E8-10568]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Request Revision From the Office of Management and Budget of a Currently Approved Information Collection Activity, Request for Comments; Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information... [read document]
View Document | Download PDF
(May 14, 2008)
News
- US travel holds the key to BA's year as economic clouds gather
guardian.co.uk, UK - 16 hours ago
BA said today it would risk the wrath of its pilots by pushing ahead with the launch of its riposte to the Open Skies treaty, a subsidiary also called ...
(May 15, 2008) - Resolving a Key Glitch of the Electronic Era Frequent Traveler
RedOrbit, TX - 10 hours ago
The interline system dates back to 1930, the year the 1929 Warsaw Convention (replaced by the Montreal Convention of 1999) came into force. ...
(May 15, 2008)
RTE.ie
Open Skies Treaty -- A Boon for Airlines, Travelers
KPLC-TV, LA - 4 hours ago
Starting March 30, the Open Skies Treaty between the US and the European Union goes into effect, allowing airlines to fly from any US airport to any EU ...
Open Skies 'benefiting transatlantic flyers' Cheapflights.co.uk
State official says US is open to foreign ownership Dallas Morning News
all 135 news articles
(May 15, 2008)- Nigeria: Jadesola Akande (1940 - 2008)
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 11 hours ago
Three years ago, Professor Akande led some women to protest perceived shortcomings of the aviation authorities which led to the plane crash that claimed the ...
(May 15, 2008)
CNN
Open Skies: the bell rings for round two
CNN - 5 hours ago
... of State for Transportation Affairs and chief negotiator for Open Skies, explains to CNN, this is a red herring in terms of importance in aviation law. ...
(May 15, 2008)
Blog Posts
- Open Skies Round Two: Surprises & Challenges
With the second stage of "Open Skies" talks between the United States and European Union beginning in Slovenia, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs John Byerly made the surprising announcement that both the U.S. and EU "forgo existing rights...
(May 15, 2008) - Court holds that no implied ACAA private right of action exists
Wright v. American Airlines, Inc. (E.D. Mo. Mar. 3, 2008). The plaintiff filed suit for herself and her minor son against American, alleging that her son was injured because he was denied accommodations for his disability, osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as "Brittle Bone Disease," while traveling on American's flights. She alleged a cause of action [...]
(May 8, 2008) - eAnalyst Article
Prof. Brian Havel's article "US/EU Open Skies Negotiations: The Second Stage Begins," from the April 2008 edition of the International Air Transport Association's eAnalyst is now online. In it you will find commentary on the issues to be discussed during...
(May 5, 2008) - IALI at the German Marshall Fund
On April 14, the International Aviation Law Institute's Director, Prof. Brian Havel, was part of a luncheon panel discussion entitled, "Open Skies: Will there ever be truly open transatlantic air services?" at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, D.C. A...
(May 5, 2008) - India's Pro-Aviation Measures
The Indian government took two substantial steps last week towards helping their country meet the infrastructural demands accompanying their rapidly growing aviation sector. Last week, India cleared a policy where new airports may be setup within 150km of each other...
(May 1, 2008)