Aviation Regulations

Aviation law encompasses all aspects of airplane and airport operation and regulation, including aircraft safety, maintenance and navigation. It has an impact on air travel service providers, including airlines, pilots, maintenance crews, security personnel and air traffic controllers. It also affects air travel service consumers, such as passengers and couriers.

Federal Aviation Law

In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Transportation Security Administration are the primary federal agencies that regulate air travel.

• FAA: Issues and enforces regulations on the manufacture, operation and maintenance of aircraft. The FAA also certifies pilots and airports and provides navigation and air traffic management services to civil and military aircraft.
• NTSB: Investigates civil aviation accidents and issues safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.
• TSA: Checks luggage and screens passengers for security threats.

State Aviation Law

Although states cannot regulate rates, routes or services of carriers, they may enact laws consistent with federal aviation law.

International Laws and Organizations

Because of the international nature of air travel, countries have entered into conventions to normalize the laws that regulate airlines and set forth the rights of passengers. For example, the Warsaw Convention limits the liability of airlines for accidents on international flights except when the airline engaged in willful misconduct.

The International Civil Aviation Organization also regulates air travel by providing general rules and mediating international aviation law disputes.

Last update: Oct. 2, 2008