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Aircraft purchase contract drafting in Houston, TX protects buyers and sellers with clear terms, risk identification, and FAA-compliant agreements for secure transactions.

The Problem Trent Palmer is a pilot with a YouTube channel boasting more than 450,000 subscribers. However, his name is now widely associated with an incident that led to the suspension of his private pilot certificate in 2019. Following the incident, a nearly four-year-long legal battle ensued, holding significant implications for the aviation community. On November 24, 2019, Palmer was flying to an unimproved dirt strip owned by a friend near Reno, Nevada, when he performed a low pass to inspect it. After the pass, Palmer decided not to land there due to safety concerns. A neighbor in the vicinity of the strip, using security camera video, lodged a complaint with the FAA, alleging that Palmer had flown dangerously close to him and his property. The FAA cited Palmer under 14 CFR 91.13 for the careless and reckless operation of his aircraft and issued him a 210-day suspension. After several legal proceedings, the suspension was reduced to 120 days. In April 2022, following a hearing by the NTSB, the suspension was further reduced to 60 days. Palmer appealed this decision, but in March 2023, his appeal was denied. His legal team is currently pursuing an appeal in federal court. Palmer’s Alleged Violations In addition to FAR 91.13(a), which prohibits operating an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner endangering life or property, the FAA also cited: FAR 91.119(a), which establishes altitude restrictions except for takeoff or landings! FAR 91.119(c), which sets altitude limitations over uncongested areas except for takeoffs and landings! Palmer’s Response to the Allegations Palmer obviously contends that he did not violate any FARs because the precautionary low pass was conducted in preparation for a landing on a remote, unimproved strip of land. Regarding flying carelessly and recklessly, Palmer stated, "FAR 91.13 careless and reckless is the FAA rubber rule; they throw that at anything." During his 2022 hearing, Palmer explained that he was uncomfortable with his ability to locate the touchdown point and centerline of the runway, making him doubt the safety of landing on the rough strip of land. Consequently, he decided not to land for safety reasons. In his defense, Palmer referenced the FAA publication "Off Airport Ops," which advises pilots to make multiple inspection passes over unfamiliar runways to check for “cuts in gravel, rocks, dips, bumps, etc.” It states: “Each pass should result in you becoming more comfortable with your chosen landing area. If you are becoming less comfortable, abandon the site and seek a more suitable landing area.” Key Takeaways Palmer should not have received any suspension, as his inspection pass did not violate any FAA regulations . Quite the opposit--the precautionary pass was a standard and necessary safety precaution recommended by the FAA. Bottom Line Palmer expressed his concern on his YouTube channel that pilots may now be reluctant to conduct inspection passes out of fear of facing similar violations and suspensions. In fact, with this suspension, the FAA is instructing pilots not to make safety passes over questionable terrain prior to landing on unimproved, remote strips. This is in direct and obvious opposition to other FAA guidelines, and will inevitably lead to more accidents. NTSB’s Verdict : A Turning Point in Aviation Compliance? Palmer and his legal team continue to challenge the suspension and the FAA's interpretation of his actions, pursuing appeals through the court system. The issue may ultimately be decided by a federal appeals court, or even the U.S. Supreme Court. Regardless of what the courts say, one thing is undeniable: the FAA has reached a record low for enforcement actions. Attorney Bill Harger is a former professional pilot holding ATP and A&P certificates. He has been licensed since 1964. Located near Houston, Texas, his number one goal is to offer you first class legal counsel regarding aviation issues . If you as a pilot, aircraft owner or mechanic, FBO, or any other aviation business have any questions about legal issues concerning aviation-related matters, contact him at William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC.

When it comes to aircraft ownership, maintenance is a critical part of ensuring safety and longevity. However, disputes can often arise between aircraft owners and maintenance shops over issues such as costs, quality of work, and timelines. If you're facing any of these types of issues, it is essential that you understand your rights. If you care about your investment or business, get the support of William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC to protect your rights and interests.

When it comes to aircraft, the importance of a thorough pre-purchase inspection cannot be overstated. While an annual inspection gives a general overview of the aircraft's condition, it does not inherently provide the detailed information a potential buyer needs for a well-informed purchase decision. Ensuring a comprehensive inspection before purchase is not just a matter of due diligence; it's a crucial step that an airplane attorney will also strongly recommend to protect the interests of the buyer.

An aircraft accident is a serious and multifaceted event that requires thorough investigation. Among the entities that delve into these incidents is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a federal agency under the Department of Transportation. The FAA was established in 1958 and serves as the national aviation authority in the United States. In addition to regulating U.S. commercial and private air travel, the FAA plays a critical role in investigating aviation accidents, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to ensure that necessary safety measures are in place and adhered to to prevent future incidents. However, it's not just the FAA on the scene. It's more of a collaborative effort. There are other key players involved in these investigations, each with their unique roles and responsibilities.

The Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo case is a pivotal dispute where New England fisheries are challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service's interpretation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Central to the case is the potential limitation or overruling of the Chevron doctrine, which currently permits federal agencies to interpret ambiguous statutes within their jurisdiction. Simply put, if a statute is unclear, then courts will generally defer to the agency's interpretation as long as it is reasonable. This case has garnered significant attention from legal and environmental communities due to its potential impact on future regulatory proceedings. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Loper Bright Enterprises, it could mean that federal agencies will have less flexibility in interpreting statutes and subsequently implementing regulations. This would likely result in more legal challenges and delays in regulatory processes, as agencies will have to ensure their interpretations align with strict judicial scrutiny. Understanding this situation is important for those involved in environmental law, as well as individuals and organizations affected by fisheries regulations. It also raises larger questions about the role of federal agencies in implementing and enforcing laws. Will this case diminish the power and influence of agencies like the FAA? And if so, what will be the consequences? These are important considerations for anyone interested in how our government functions. At William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC, Attorney Harger, an experienced attorney based in Houston, Texas, stands ready to assist licensed pilots, mechanics, and other aviation attorneys in understanding these issues and how they may affect the aviation industry. With a deep understanding of aviation law , he can provide valuable insights into these developments and their potential impacts on the aviation industry. Reach out for further information or assistance.

As an involved aviation professional, you might be feeling overwhelmed and emotional after a plane crash. The possibility of being held legally liable can easily compound these feelings. However, you need to understand that you do have rights and options when involved in such a tragic incident. Obviously, you have the right to an attorney, and the legal team at William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC has the resources, experience, and knowledge to craft a solid defense to protect your rights.

When you're hired to perform a service, you expect to be paid. However, customers may sometimes fail to timely pay for services rendered or products sold. If you have made the mistake of releasing the aircraft without first getting paid, this can be a problem. As an aircraft mechanic or FBO in Texas, you have the right to file a lien on the aircraft if your customer delays or refuses to pay, allowing you to claim a legal interest in an aircraft as security for the services, storage and materials you supplied. this usually results in the service provider eventually getting paid. William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC understands aviation law and the intricacies of filing and enforcing a lien against an aircraft in Texas. Located near Houston, Texas, his firm serves clients throughout Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and the nation.

Exporting an aircraft can be complicated, especially if there's a lien involved. Whether you're the aircraft owner, buyer, or seller, it is important to understand the implications of exporting an aircraft with a lien. Attorney Bill G. Harger offers invaluable insights to help you make informed decisions.