Aviation Law Solicitors.

This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.

Aviation law is a highly specialised area that covers aircraft, airlines, airports, passengers, and businesses operating within the aviation industry. Cases may involve UK law, international agreements and the laws of several different countries. Aviation law solicitors may advise individuals, airlines, aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, insurers, airports and other aviation businesses.

Aviation Accidents and Personal Injury

Specialist solicitors can advise passengers, crew members and families following an aircraft or helicopter accident. Claims may involve personal injury, loss of earnings, medical costs, psychological injury or a fatal accident. Determining responsibility can require detailed investigations involving pilots, operators, aircraft owners, maintenance providers, manufacturers, airports and air traffic control services. International rules may also affect where a claim can be brought and the amount of compensation available.

Passenger Rights and Flight Disruption

Aviation solicitors may assist with disputes concerning:

• Flight cancellations and long delays;
• Denied boarding;
• Lost, delayed or damaged baggage;
• Injuries suffered during a flight;
• Airline and package travel disputes;
• Unfair contract terms; and
• Assistance for disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility.

The rights available will depend on matters including the airline, the departure and destination airports and the reason for the disruption.

Aircraft Ownership, Leasing and Finance

Aviation lawyers can advise on the purchase, sale, leasing and financing of aircraft, helicopters and aviation equipment. This may include:

• Aircraft purchase and sale agreements;
• Ownership and registration;
• Operating and finance leases;
• Mortgages and other security arrangements;
• Maintenance and management agreements;
• Insurance and liability provisions; and
• Import, export and tax considerations.

Careful legal checks are important because aircraft may be registered, financed, operated and maintained in different countries.

Aviation Product Liability

Product liability claims may arise where an accident or loss is alleged to have been caused by a defective aircraft, engine, component, navigation system or other aviation product. Solicitors may act for passengers, operators, manufacturers, maintenance businesses, insurers and other parties involved in the design, production, supply or use of aviation equipment.

Aviation Safety and Regulation

The aviation industry is subject to extensive safety, licensing and operational requirements. Aviation law solicitors may advise on:

• Air operator certificates and operating licences;
• Aircraft registration and airworthiness;
• Pilot and crew licensing;
• Maintenance and engineering requirements;
• Airport and aerodrome regulation;
• Safety management systems;
• Compliance investigations; and
• Enforcement action by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Criminal and Regulatory Liability

Criminal or regulatory proceedings may follow an accident, safety breach or alleged failure to comply with aviation rules. Cases can concern dangerous or negligent operation, licensing offences, breaches of airspace restrictions, falsified records, passenger misconduct, unlawful aircraft operations or failures relating to maintenance and safety. Early specialist advice can be important when an individual or business is under investigation by the police, the Civil Aviation Authority, or another regulatory body.

International Aviation Law

International aviation law governs many aspects of travel and aircraft operations between countries. It includes treaties and agreements dealing with passenger claims, airline liability, aircraft registration, airspace, security and international operating rights. A dispute may involve questions about which country's courts have jurisdiction, which laws apply and whether an international convention limits compensation.

Airports, Airspace and Planning

Aviation solicitors may also advise airports, landowners, developers and local communities on:

• Airport development and expansion;
• Planning permission and environmental assessments;
• Noise and nuisance disputes;
• Access to land and compulsory purchase;
• Airspace restrictions; and
• Commercial agreements for airport facilities.

Drones and Unmanned Aircraft

The increasing commercial and private use of drones has created additional legal and regulatory issues. Specialist advice may be required regarding operator registration, pilot competency, commercial operations, restricted airspace, privacy, data protection, filming, insurance, accidents and enforcement action.

Finding an Aviation Law Solicitor

Aviation law covers several distinct and technical subjects, and not every aviation solicitor will handle every type of case. Before instructing a firm, confirm that it has experience of the particular issue involved, whether it acts for individuals or commercial aviation clients and whether the matter has an international element. To find an Aviation Law Solicitor in your area, select Aviation Law from the search box above and enter your town, city or postcode.