Most issues affecting airport and aircraft operations fall under aviation law, which covers navigation, maintenance, pilot licensing requirements and air traffic control safety. Most aviation standards and regulations are under federal agencies. States such as California can’t create laws that interfere with federal ones.
Which federal agencies oversee aviation law?
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates aviation law. The Transportation Security Administration ensures airline passenger safety. The National Transportation Safety Board regulates aviation safety and investigates aviation accidents. Individual countries and international law govern all international flights. The Transportation Safety Administration conducts screenings of passengers and luggage on commercial flights at all airports.
What does federal aviation law cover?
Aviation accident law covers any collisions involving airborne aircraft. The FAA has specific regulations that aviation law covers. The FAA covers families suffering from loss or injury after an aircraft tragedy and the defense of an aviation professional accused of violating federal aviation regulations. The FAA also regulates services, routes and rates of interstate air transportation.
How can states affect aviation law?
States can alter existing state laws and create new ones as long as they are consistent with federal law. Individual states can change zoning laws, which regulate the hours of operation and the noise levels of local airports. Federal law doesn’t preempt state product liability law. States have the power to hold aviation manufacturers strictly liable for defective products.
The 1958 Federal Aviation Act allows the FAA to regulate aviation law and cover most pilots, aircraft, shipping companies and corporations that often use air transportation. Congress creates and passes aviation laws and leaves various federal agencies to regulate them and keep the airspace running safely.