Aviation

Aviation
Fields Howell boasts a talented and experienced Aviation Law Team to handle all aspects of aviation law. Our team of attorneys, which includes a former airline pilot, stands ready to assist insurance companies, airline operators, airports, buyers and sellers of aircraft, and high net worth individuals. Whether seeking a coverage opinion, defense counsel, or legal advice on operations, regulations, and transactions, our Aviation Law Team has the expertise to meet your needs.

Accidents
All operators aim for smooth travels; however, accidents and incidents do occur. When unfortunate situations occur, our attorneys can serve as counsel in dealing with the NTSB, from guiding you through required reporting and notification to how to properly handle an NTSB investigation.

For insurers of operators, airports, pilots and more, we stand ready to serve as coverage and defense counsel when plane, helicopter, or drone crashes involve personal injury or property damage.

Fields Howell has handled cases for insurance companies involving the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, aircraft and component part manufacturing, commercial operators, airports, hanger-keepers, drones and remote aircrafts, fixed base operation, private and commercial pilots, maintenance, and mechanics.
 
Operations
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that apply to companies engaged in Parts 121, 135, and 145 are complex and require a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Having a former airline pilot who has spent years practicing aviation law will be an invaluable asset as you look to navigate these regulations and achieve your goals.

Transactions
Fields Howell’s Aviation Team is experienced in counseling clients through the purchase and sale of not only individual aircrafts, but also of entire aviation businesses. Our attorneys recognize the transaction of aircraft involve both significant sums of money and unique aspects that aren’t found in the transaction of other assets. Because we have represented numerous clients in the buying and selling of aircraft, we know how to best navigate these transactions to protect client interests.

When it comes to the acquisition and disposition of an aviation business, it is important to have counsel who knows how to handle significant commercial transactions and how to navigate a field of FAA regulations. We can represent clients in getting appropriate approvals and help businesses determine the best structure based on various tax laws to ensure the business is protected as much as possible.

Violations
FAA enforcement actions against you and your company can result in monetary penalties or modification, suspension, or even revocation of your company’s certificate. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in their dealings with the FAA and are able to assist you in defending an FAA enforcement action.  To best shape the outcome of an action, and to avoid a finding of a violation, our aim is to get involved as early as possible in the process to help guide you through difficult situations. In the event you or your company has already received an adverse ruling in an enforcement action, Fields Howell can assist in your appeal to the NTSB and the Courts.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are becoming more and more commonplace, with a number of different industries utilizing new technologies to grow their businesses. Commercial drone operations are controlled by a FAA regulatory scheme that requires various certificates and authorizations. Whether you are seeking approval to operate a drone under 55 pounds under FAR Part 107, or are looking to operate larger drones, our attorneys are able to help you get up and running. Once you have approval to operate commercial drones, our attorneys can also advise and educate you and your business on your compliance responsibilities, including avoiding federally regulated airspace, as violations of those rules can not only result in significant monetary penalties, but also loss of certifications or even jail time.

Aviation Team

Aviation Team