Aviation and Aerospace

The Adams and Reese Aviation and Aerospace Team provides full-service advice and representation on all aspects of compliance, certification, safety, and risk management under domestic and international authorities. Our clients include major manufacturers, airlines, logistics companies, technology companies, drone (UAS) manufacturers and operators, aviation trade associations, advanced air mobility (AAM) companies, maintenance and repair organizations, business aviation operators, fractional ownership providers, commercial space companies, air ambulance and aerial work companies, corporate flight departments, aviation joint ventures, and technology companies, with operations spanning the globe.

Clients benefit from the substantial and varied industry experience of our professionals, including a former FAA acting chief counsel and former senior counsel at a major aircraft manufacturer. Our aviation lawyers have over 60 years of combined industry practice and are recognized for having an in-depth understanding of the industry, connections to government and industry leaders, and a reputation for applying creative and innovative thinking to drive practical solutions to complex problems. They apply innovation and creativity to novel problems and opportunities, and routinely advise on innovative legal and technical issues, such as the development and certification of drone delivery systems.

Our practice spans every aspect of the industry, helping clients navigate challenges, mitigate risk, and capitalize on opportunities. We advise on complex regulatory compliance issues, certification and licensing, investigation and enforcement proceedings, safety, flight operations, airworthiness, hazardous materials, security, transactions, route authority, crisis preparation and response, public policy, and the development of new regulations. Our aviation lawyers have substantial experience providing advice in matters involving the Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Department of Transportation, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Justice, National Transportation Safety Board, Customs & Boarder Protection, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies.

Our team also includes a robust capacity to defend investigations and develop coordinated response activities, voluntary disclosures, and corrective actions. Our lawyers have substantial experience defending airlines, manufacturers, and repair facilities in government investigations, civil penalty actions, and disputes over liability and commercial obligations. An equally important focus of our practice is helping clients avoid noncompliances and disputes by advising on risk management and conducting internal investigations, compliance reviews, and training tailored to their specific regulatory, technological, operational, and commercial needs.

The aviation and aerospace industry is dynamic, rapidly evolving, and faces challenges that require focused knowledge and representation across a wide range of disciplines. With decades of experience and connections, our practitioners understand the risks and opportunities presented to the industry. Our aviation and aerospace practice is committed to excellence while remaining cost-effective, providing pragmatic and actionable advice, and always focusing on achieving the client’s goals.

Adams and Reese combines the experience of leaders in the field of aviation and aerospace law with the know-how and resources of a full-service law firm. The aviation and aerospace team provides multi-disciplinary advice with a worldwide scope, including in the following areas:

• Regulation and Compliance: Advising on all aspects of compliance with domestic and international aviation laws and regulations. We also have substantial experience advising on certification and licensing, and helping clients understand and shape rulemakings initiated by various agencies.
• Airworthiness and Manufacturing: Advising on product certification, continued operational safety, parts, product risk management, airworthiness directives, and the development of corrective actions.
• Drones, Advanced Air Mobility, and Emergent Technologies: Advising on system development, certification, waivers, exemptions, airspace access, and achieving operational authorizations at the federal and local level.
• Investigations, Enforcement Defense, and Disputes: Leading outside investigations and providing advice and representation in the defense of government investigations and enforcement actions. Our lawyers also have experience in administrative appeals, air accident litigation, and commercial arbitrations over aviation and aerospace contracts.
• Transactions and Contracts: Advising on mergers and acquisitions of aviation companies, conducting due diligence, and counseling on how to ensure continuity of governmental authorizations in connection with transactions. Our lawyers also draft and negotiate commercial agreements, including for equipment purchases, maintenance, spare parts, and product supply.

Our Aviation and Aerospace blog, Liftoff, features news, analysis, and thought leadership about international regulatory, operational, and commercial issues.