When purchasing an aircraft, hiring an aviation lawyer is important.
Buying a private jet isn’t as easy as buying a car. There are many FAA Compliance regulations, as well as tax related legalities you must adhere to once you purchase the aircraft. Having an aviation lawyer will help make this process a lot easier. Aviation lawyers are knowledgeable about aircraft ownership details such as maintenance, pilot licensing requirements, aircraft navigation and air traffic control safety. Some Aviation lawyers may have previously worked at major airlines or private companies as pilots. Therefore, you may want to consider a lawyer who has had hands-on experience.
Here are some basic questions to ask your potential aviation lawyer:
- Are you a Pilot? Private Pilot?
- Commercial Pilot?
- Instrument Flight Rated (IFR)?
- Multi-Engine Rated?
- Certificated Flight Instructor?
- Instrument Flight Instructor?
- Airline Transport Pilot?
- Total Flight Time?
- Time in Accident Type?
Key Benefits to hiring an aviation lawyer:
- Expertise in Aviation Regulations
- Contract Review and Negotiation
- Title and Ownership Verification
- Tax and Financial Guidance
- Risk Management and Insurance
- Dispute Resolution
- International Transactions
By working with an aviation lawyer, you protect your investment in the aircraft
Tip: Aviation law is mostly governed at the federal level as opposed to the state level, while being enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Other boards or administrations that also deal with safety include the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). TSA works to protect passenger safety, while the NTSB deals with aviation accidents.
