Regulation and Compliance

Our regulatory work focuses on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, and other agencies, as well as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and a variety of other international civil aviation authorities.

With advanced subject-matter experience and worldwide reach, our aviation and aerospace professionals help clients anticipate and prepare for regulatory developments. We also go beyond providing traditional legal services by solving practical operational problems and developing strategies for future initiatives.

Our team serves clients across every aspect of the industry, including U.S. and international airlines, manufacturers, tour operators, forwarders, shippers, business aircraft operators, maintenance organizations, technology companies, and industry trade associations. No issue is too complex, and we regularly counsel clients on every type of international aviation and aerospace regulatory matter, including:

• Certification, licensing, and operating authority;
• Compliance with standards under FAA, EASA, ICAO, TSA, and other regimes;
• Obtaining exemptions and other authorizations;
• Representing certificate holders in enforcement and civil penalty proceedings;
• Flight operations;
• Route authority;
• Airport and airspace access;
• Recordkeeping requirements;
• Airline alliances, codesharing, and other cooperative agreements;
• Safety regulation, risk management, and Safety Management Systems;
• International investment in U.S. operators;
• Cybersecurity;
• Transportation of hazardous materials;
• Essential air service;
• Issues and safety reviews arising under the Commercial Space Launch Act;
• International carrier customs bonds and U.S. customs issues;
• Regulatory aspects of aviation and aerospace mergers and acquisitions;
• Environmental and noise concerns; and
• Physical security plans, regulations, and threat assessments.

We also regularly assist clients in evaluating and preparing comments in a variety of agency proceedings. Our lawyers have represented clients in major rulemakings including Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (FAA); Airplane Fuel Efficiency Certification (FAA); Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements (FAA); Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections (DOT); Congestion, Delay Reduction and Operating Limitations at airports (FAA); and Air Cargo Security Requirements (TSA).

Our Aviation and Aerospace team has substantial experience providing advice to airlines on every type of international regulatory matter. We represent airlines in securing operating authority at airports and overflight rights as well as advising on legal and competitive issues associated with airport operations. Our lawyers represent airlines in slot proceedings at slot-controlled airports and advise on the acquisition of slots and other operating rights. In addition, we handle airport environmental and noise claims involving airline operations.

Our team also routinely engages in appellate work with a variety of administrative agency decisions, including DOT and FAA enforcement cases and challenges to agency rulemaking. In the public policy and legislative field, we monitor and advise on key developments, and help clients develop and pursue strategic plans to accomplish regulatory or legislative change. We advise on all issues relating to FAA reauthorization bills, and help clients prepare submissions and testimony to Congress on issues such as airline regulation, safety, airworthiness, and airport access.

Our team members have a reputation for excellence in regulatory law. They are immersed in the industry and have extensive relationships across all its sectors, including at the highest levels of key agencies. They are actively involved in speaking and writing on aviation topics as well as contributing their knowledge to FAA rulemaking committees, aviation associations, and industry seminars. Built on decades of broad experience and deep commitment to the industry, our practice combines comprehensive knowledge with innovative thinking to find creative solutions to problems faced by aviation and aerospace companies.

Clients depend on our aviation and aerospace team to handle both routine and critical needs thorough their extensive experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence at a reasonable value.