Jetlaw has unique experience in supporting the operation of experimental and restricted category aircraft for military aircraft contractors, NASA contractors and aerial fire fighting operations, as well as advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft manufacturers.
We understand the complexities of operations that are Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) for government missions, but become Civil Aircraft Operations (CAO) in between missions.
Legal Support & Operational Advice For Experimental And Restricted Category Aircraft Operators
Experimental and restricted category aircraft are often used to complete unique and interesting operations ranging from research and development of new aircraft technology to bring new products to market, to missions related to maintaining the air defensive readiness of the U.S. and its allies. If experimental or restricted category aircraft are critical to completing your mission, Jetlaw can help.
With decades of experience operating experimental aircraft, competing in Formula One Air Racing both domestically and abroad, providing legal support for aircraft manufacturers, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developers and providing legal support for Department Of Defense (DOD)/Department Of War (DOW) contractors and military aircraft operators, Jetlaw has the experience and institutional knowledge necessary to give industry leading legal support and advice for experimental and restricted category aircraft producers and operators.
Considerations Unique To Operating Experimental Aircraft
Experimental aircraft have unique operating limitations and challenges. There are operating limitations placed on them through FAA regulations and special operating limitations on their certificates. There are also operational challenges for some experimental operators because the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) does not recognize experimental aircraft, and operators that complete missions under Public Aviation Operation (PAO) and Civil Aviation Operations (CAO) rules need to remain compliant under multiple sets of rules.
Experimental aircraft not being recognized by ICAO does not prohibit them from operating abroad, but prior approval is needed. The processes for gaining prior approval to operate abroad are unique to each situation and country in which you wish to gain permission to operate. For operators that perform missions abroad, Jetlaw can help you complete your missions.
For experimental operators that sometimes operate under PAO, the aircraft and crew always need to remain current and qualified. Maintaining readiness to complete PAO operations requires operating under CAO for repositioning the aircraft for training, checking, and maintenance. Completing these repositioning flights under CAO requires compliance with the prohibition against operating over densely populated areas. Jetlaw’s experience providing legal support and advice to DOD/DOW contractors and other military aircraft operators can be an invaluable asset for completing your missions while remaining safe and compliant.
Considerations Unique To Operating Restricted Category Aircraft
While restricted category aircraft are given more permissive operating limitations than experimental aircraft, restricted category aircraft also have unique operating limitations that can lead to operational challenges. These limitations can come from restricted category aircraft not meeting minimum airworthiness requirements of ICAO, operational limitations like the prohibition against operating restricted category aircraft over densely populated areas, and complications related to operating under PAO and CAO can lead to challenges for operational planning.
Restricted category aircraft are permitted under operating limitations to conduct relocation flights, however, after a PAO operation is completed, the aircraft may be located somewhere requiring complex planning and costly indirect flights to relocate the aircraft.
Meet Jetlaw’s Team
Jetlaw’s attorneys and advisors are leaders in providing legal support and operational advice to create solutions enabling restricted category aircraft operators to efficiently complete their missions while remaining compliant and ready for all missions.