Aviation
Jackson Walkerâs aviation attorneys have experience in handling a diverse range of aviation litigation matters. Jackson Walkerâs aviation litigation group is recognized for their success and experience in representing clients in all types of litigation from a straightforward negligence or commercial claim to a complex and high profile lawsuit.
Clients utilize the extensive experience of the attorneys in the aviation litigation group to effectively and efficiently advise and represent them. Jackson Walkerâs aviation attorneys have successfully handled all forms of aviation matters throughout the United States and have served as lead counsel in complex multistate litigation and class action matters.
Attorneys of the aviation litigation group are recognized by numerous organizations for their experience and service in representing clients, including: Chambers USA Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Chambers USA Transportation: Aviation Litigation, âSuper Lawyers,â The Best Lawyers in America, Whoâs Who of Aviation Lawyers, and Whoâs Who Legal.
The Jackson Walker aviation litigation group attorneys are known for their solid combination of legal judgment, work ethic and real world experience. A number of attorneys in the group have experience as fixed-wing and helicopter pilots (both civil and military). Attorneys from the group are frequently invited to speak at industry and legal conferences on aviation related matters. In addition, many of our attorneys serve in leadership roles in aviation related legal and trade organizations.
- American Eurocopter Corporation v. CJ Systems Aviation Group (Tex. App. â Dallas 2014) Appellate counsel for CJ Systems in a contractual indemnity suit brought by Eurocopter. The Dallas Court of Appeals decided all issues in favor of CJ Systems, and the Texas  Supreme Court denied Eurocopterâs Petition for Review.
- Bombardier Aerospace Corporation v. Peter A. Halmos and PAH. Co., Dallas County, Texas. Â Successfully represented Bombardierâs aircraft fractional interest program in commercial dispute with Learjet fractional owner. After two week jury trial obtained a favorable verdict and title to the fractional interest in the Learjet.
- Pfeiffer v. Northwest Airlines, (W.D. Tex.). Obtained summary judgment for NWA based on the Air Carrier Access Act.
- Propair v. Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated, Montreal, Quebec Canada. Successful defense of manufacturer and type certificate holder in numerous wrongful death and hull claims arising from commuter crash near Montreal.
- Ragnell v. Town of Addison. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client, airport owner, in challenge to validity of Operating Agreement at Addison Airport.
- Laird Doctor and Linda Doctor v. Howard Purdue and Experimental Aircraft Association, Harris County, Texas, 178 S.W.3d 355, Tex. App. [1st Dist.] (2005). Represented Experimental Aircraft Association in case in which plaintiff was rendered quadriplegic as a result of an air show accident. After a favorable jury verdict, plaintiffs appealed and the case was reversed and remanded for new trial. Before the case was retried, settlement was reached.
- Dalrymple v. Fairchild Aircraft Inc. (S.D. Tex.). Won summary judgment for aircraft manufacturer in wrongful death action arising from crash in Mediterranean Sea.
- Saldana v. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, et al. (S.D. Tex.) Obtained summary judgment for Sikorsky based on the government contractor defense.
- Counsel for aviation insurer for the aircraft Joseph Stack flew into the IRS building in Austin, Texas, on February 18, 2012. Successfully resolved all claims asserted against the aviation policy related to the incident.
- Coverage counsel for one of the aviation insurers that insured the aircraft that carried passenger Lauren Scruggs, a fashion model and blogger, who walked into a running propeller on December 3, 2011.
- Successfully represented an air cargo ground handling company and trucking company in a multi-million dollar cargo damage claim brought in state court by obtaining a court order that the Montreal Convention applied to Plaintiffâs claims, which resulted in a recovery of less than 7% of the damages sought by Plaintiff.
- Obtained a seven-figure settlement for an aviation insurer in a subrogation action arising from damage to a commercial airline engine.
Jackson Walker Advises Novaria Group on Acquisition of Bandy Manufacturing
Novaria Group, a leading manufacturer of specialty hardware, components, and coatings for the aerospace and defense industries, recently completed its acquisition of California-based Bandy Manufacturing, LLC, which supplies high-precision aerospace hinges and pins.
Client Results • February 10, 2025
Fifth Circuit Rules in Favor of Client Flight Training International
In a major win for the Jackson Walker Appellate and Aviation teams, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in favor of Jackson Walker client Flight Training International (FTI) regarding an FAA order concerning pilot certification requirements.
Client Results • March 2, 2023
Brad Brown Obtains Dismissal of Safran Helicopter Engines for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction
The Court of Appeals of North Carolina on September 6, 2022, ruled in favor of Jackson Walker client Safran Helicopter Engines in an appeal over whether the trial court could assert personal jurisdiction over the company.
Client Results • September 13, 2022
Joint Aviation and Appellate Team Secures Favorable Result on Behalf of Flight Training International
In collaboration with Flight Training International, Jackson Walker successfully contested an FAA order issued in April 2019 revoking approval for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification course.
Client Results • August 7, 2019
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Brad Brown and Katherine Staton Receive Board Certification in Aviation Law; Christopher Thompson in Insurance Law
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Dallas attorneys Brad Brown, Katherine A. Staton, and Christopher A. Thompson for obtaining Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). Brad and Katherine are now Board Certified in Aviation Law, and Chris is Board Certified in Insurance Law. This marks the first year that attorneys can obtain certification in these areas.
Attorney News • January 19, 2024
Jackson Walker Earns 25 National and 134 Metro Rankings in 2024 Edition of “Best Law Firms”
Jackson Walker proudly announces the firm’s inclusion in the 2024 edition of Best Law FirmsÂŽÂ by Best Lawyers. This year, Jackson Walker observed notable improvements in the national rankings, including the rise of Appellate Practice to Tier 1, Banking and Finance Law and Litigation – Labor and Employment to Tier 2, and the addition of Energy Law and Environmental Law in Tier 3.
Spotlight • November 2, 2023
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
Attorneys frequently handle litigation matters for clients involving:
- Airlines
- Products liability
- Premises liability
- Personal injury
- Wrongful death
- Cargo damage
- Contract disputes
- Government contracts
- Commercial aviation accidents (fixed-wing and helicopter)
- General aviation accidents (fixed-wing and helicopter)
- Military accidents (fixed-wing and helicopter)
- Insurance coverage
- Business torts
- Mass torts
- Toxic torts
- Airport disputes
- Deceptive trade practices
- Class actions
- Multidistrict litigation
- Subrogation
