Experienced Counsel for Airport Operations and Airport Tenants
At Jetlaw, we understand the complexities of airport operations and management because we have lived them. Our team of seasoned FAA airport compliance attorneys offers unparalleled experience in handling a comprehensive range of airport sponsor and tenant matters, including:
- Construction and Modernization Projects
- Airport Lease and Concession Agreements
- AIP Grant Applications and Grant Assurance Compliance
- Environmental Assessments
- Minimum Standards
- Complex Tax Matters
When you engage Jetlaw, you gain more than legal counsel—you gain a strategic partner committed to protecting your interests, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maximizing operational efficiency.
Construction and Modernization Projects
Airport construction and modernization projects involve federal, state and local requirements. In addition to our federal airport practice, our team is experienced working with state and local governments on development projects. Jetlaw’s attorneys support and guide sponsors through every stage of the project. Our team anticipates challenges and delivers solutions to keep projects on schedule and in compliance.
Hangar Construction and Leasing
We advise clients on all aspects of airport hangar and facility construction. For completed projects, Jetlaw’s attorneys are skilled in drafting written lease agreements to manage hangar use and maximize airport efficiency.
Yes—if federal funds were not used for apron construction, sponsors may lease apron and tie-down spaces to aircraft owners and FBOs.
It depends. Leasing facilities constructed with federal grant money generally violates Grant Assurance 22, Economic Nondiscrimination for activity or use contrary to the Airport Layout Plan (ALP). Any attempt to lease federally constructed space must be pre-approved by the FAA.
The FAA recently clarified that airport operators can charge FBOs reduced startup rates, provided the incentive is explicitly stated in the agreement, it is only offered for a limited time, and the standard rate is pre-specified.
FBOs undertaking operations like service of aprons, tie-downs, or snow removal must do so according to the sponsor’s reasonable, pre-approved fee structure.
No. Sponsors can only lease apron or hangar space FBOs demonstrate immediate need for. This allows airports to have future availability.
Prohibited Hangar Uses
Jetlaw helps sponsors avoid FAA violations by advising against improper hangar use, such as residential occupancy, vehicle storage, non-aviation office use, and long-term storage of non-operational aircraft. Our proactive guidance helps maintain compliance and avoid disruptions to air service.
Emerging Technology & Engineering
Jetlaw prepares airport clients for airport modernization that aligns with FAA compliance. Our attorneys and industry experts advise on FAA standards for engineering, design, and construction, including lighting, paving, marking, signage, and deicing. We also provide strategic counsel on emerging technologies such as eVTOL, AAM, UAS, and OEM operations. Our deep industry knowledge ensures that clients stay ahead of the technological curve while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Environmental Impacts
Environmental compliance is critical to the success of any airport development project. Jetlaw helps clients navigate the complexities of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as state, local, and Tribal laws. Our attorneys work directly with your regional airport office to mitigate environmental constraints and prevent costly delays.
Airport Lease & Concession Agreements
Jetlaw structures business-oriented, grant assurance-compliant solutions for lease and concession agreements. Our team provides tailored strategies to protect airport revenue streams and maintain operational consistency.
For Airport Sponsors and Operators
Jetlaw’s attorneys have experience helping airports of all sizes handle lease standardization and management projects. Contact Jetlaw for guidance on structuring leasing and concession agreements for new terminals or for updating and standardizing agreements across airport tenants. Jetlaw delivers solutions that enhance operational efficiency and protect sponsor interests.
For Airport Tenants and Users
Our airport attorneys are experienced with all types and sizes of airport construction projects, from private terminals and FBOs to executive hangar complexes. Our team of attorneys and industry advisers can help you secure financing, negotiate construction agreements with contractors, assist you with airspace and environmental assessment requirements, and negotiate lease agreements with the airport.
AIP Grant Applications and Grant Assurance Compliance
We help federally funded airport sponsors understand key obligations called grant assurances. Together, the thirty-nine assurances ensure airports operate and maintain safe, serviceable conditions free of exclusive rights and airspace hazards.
AIP Grant Applications
Jetlaw can assist in the integration of FAA obligations in each aspect of the Airport Improvement Program grant application process. The FAA must review sponsor eligibility, project requirements, Airport Layout Plan, insurance requirements, civil rights requirements, and risk levels before awarding grant funds. All aspects of each airport project and the airport’s general policies must comply with a litany of FAA rules and regulations. Our skilled team can review and integrate requirements to avoid project delays. Jetlaw interfaces with the FAA and other federal and state agencies, maximizing your access to federal grant funds
Your Regulatory Compliance Partner
Jetlaw advises on all aspects of leasing, revenue use, and compliance. Our attorneys develop proactive solutions to help sponsors avoid grant assurance violations and maintain FAA funding to operators’ complex regulatory compliance issues.
Minimum Standards
We advise airport sponsors to draft tailored minimum standards, develop tenant adherence, and periodically reevaluate compliance. The FAA’s Airport Compliance Manual encourages sponsors to craft uniform standards because they help prevent grant assurance violations. Learn more about minimum standards and how Jetlaw can help.
Exclusive Use Issues
Count on Jetlaw’s team to counsel airport sponsors and users on exclusive use issues. We ensure sponsors promote healthy competition at the airport. Our regulatory compliance experts will make sure the airport is guarantees users a fair economic playing field.
Part 13 and 16 Disputes
Grant assurance violations can jeopardize FAA funding and stifle airport development. Jetlaw provides strategic guidance to sponsors to prevent and resolve disputes through the FAA’s Part 13 and 16 mechanisms, ensuring that sponsors and tenants maintain positive working relationships.
Fuel Farms and Fueling Rights
Fuel farms, fuel trucks, and tenant fueling operations trigger compliance with federal and state environmental requirements. Balancing a sponsor’s FAA obligations, environmental protection requirements, and safety create unique sponsor challenges. Jetlaw can help you create or update your fuel storage and fueling policies.
Complex Tax Matters
Airport taxation and financing require specialized knowledge. Jetlaw’s aviation-specific tax and banking advisors help clients evaluate private financing options, navigate tax structures, and optimize financial outcomes for airport development projects.
Why Jetlaw?
Unmatched Experience – Our attorneys bring decades of direct aviation experience, including regulatory counsel, flight operations, and airport management.
Strategic Insight – We combine legal experience with operational knowledge to deliver tailored, business-focused solutions.
Business-Focused Counsel – Jetlaw’s business-focused approach helps you solve issues as timely as possible, keeping your development projects on track.
Comprehensive Service – From project financing to regulatory compliance to emerging technologies, Jetlaw is your trusted partner in airport operations and management.
Meet Jetlaw’s Airport Practice Team
Led by Ed Young, Kent Jackson, and Kali Hague, Jetlaw’s team includes:
- Experienced regulatory counsel with direct airport operations and aviation safety expertise.
- Attorneys and financial advisors with deep knowledge of airport project financing and grant applications.
- Extensive drone/AAM/eVTOL experience, including an emerging technologies aerospace engineer.