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Legal Counsel for Aircraft Operators

Operational agreements, management contracts, crew employment, and business advisory for aircraft operators and charter companies.

Overview

Aircraft operators manage complex businesses that combine aviation operations with customer service, crew management, and equipment maintenance. Attorneys provide practical legal counsel for charter operators, aircraft management companies, and flight departments on the business side of aviation — management agreements, customer contracts, crew employment, and growth transactions. The team understands the operational realities of running an aviation business and the commercial arrangements that make it work.

How We Help

Management Agreements

Drafting and negotiating aircraft management contracts, charter agreements, and operational arrangements between owners and operators.

Crew Employment

Pilot and crew employment agreements, independent contractor arrangements, training agreements, and workforce policies.

Customer Contracts

Charter agreements, membership programs, jet card terms, and customer service arrangements.

Business Growth

Entity formation, partnership structures, fleet expansion planning, and M&A advisory for aviation businesses.

Clients We Serve

  • Part 135 charter operators
  • Aircraft management companies
  • Corporate flight departments
  • Fractional ownership operators
  • Aviation entrepreneurs expanding operations

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Common Questions

What should an aircraft management agreement include?

Key terms include management fee structure, cost allocation, scheduling authority, maintenance decision-making, insurance requirements, and termination provisions. A well-drafted management agreement protects both the aircraft owner and the management company.

How should pilot employment agreements be structured?

Pilot agreements should address compensation structure, duty time and scheduling, training requirements and bonds, non-compete provisions, insurance coverage, and termination terms. The agreement needs to reflect the unique demands of aviation employment.

What entity structure works for a charter operation?

Most charter operators use LLC or corporation structures that separate the operating certificate from aircraft ownership. This provides liability protection and can optimize the tax treatment of aircraft assets. The right structure depends on your fleet size and ownership model.

What contracts do charter companies need with customers?

Customer-facing agreements should include charter terms, cancellation policies, passenger liability waivers, pricing and payment terms, and compliance acknowledgments. Clear customer contracts set expectations and reduce disputes.

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Schedule a consultation to discuss your aircraft operators business needs.