Aviation Law

Aviation law is a highly specialized field. Clients come to Foster Swift for legal counsel in the following areas:

• Drafting a variety of aircraft lease agreements and operating agreements
• Organizing aviation management organizations where several corporate users can share one aircraft
• Advising clients on fractional share operations
• Representing corporations wishing to expand their aircraft use with non-owners (which must be done correctly or the company could find itself in trouble for providing air transportation for a charge, which is forbidden without an air carrier certificate)
• Advising business clients on the selection of both appropriate aircraft and crew
• Representing corporations in the structuring of their flight departments
• Representing certificated persons and entities (air carriers) regarding matters involving the Federal Aviation Administration
• Aviation insurance defense regarding accidents/injury/death claims
• Setting up lease-back arrangements
• Representing various aviation interests, including Fixed Base Operators who provide fuel, maintenance, charter, and other aviation services in a wide variety of matters, including disputes with airports where they operate (usually a municipality or other governmental entity), leaseholds, taxes, contracts and other matters.
• Acting as general counsel for aviation businesses
• Enforcement matters
• Contracts, leases etc.
• Personal injury claims
• Product liability defense
• Insurance coverage

Recognized for their in depth knowledge, members of the practice area have presented numerous seminars on a variety of subjects dealing with aviation through the Aviation Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Furthermore, these attorneys recognized the unique needs of aircraft businesses and corporate flight departments and founded the Michigan Business Aviation Association.

Representative Experience

• Aviation: Wrongful Death Case