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Aviation Law Research Guide

Introduction

This guide is intended to facilitate research on aviation law at Georgetown University Law Library. It includes both primary and secondary materials, in print and electronic formats. Members of the Georgetown University community can seek additional assistance at the reference desk or online.

Introductory Resources

For a quick overview of the aviation law, consult these introductory texts.

• Aviation Law: An Introduction KF2400.R64 2000
  This is the fifth edition of this introductory treatise focusing on the law and legislation of aeronautics.
  
  
• Dictionary of Aviation TL509 .C76 2007 Electronic
  This publication provides definitions of over 5.500 terms in the field of aviation. A simple search allows you to access the definition, as well as other references to the word throughout the dictionary.
  
  An Introduction to Air Law K4095.4.D5413 2006
  The international component of air travel is detailed in this up to date treatise, which focuses on the liability of the carrier, insurance and sovereignty of air space, as well as numerous other relevant topics.

Primary Law Sources

A. Case Law

• Specialized Reporters:
  Aviation Law: Cases, Laws and Related Sources KF2400.L37 2006
  Aviation Law Reporter (1961-2008 now cancelled, only updated electronically) KF2400.A6C6
• Lexis, consult Legal > Area of Law - By Topic > Transportation for case law
• Westlaw, consult All Databases > Topical Materials by Area of Practice > Transportation > Federal Cases (FTRAN-CS database)

B. Regulations

Aviation Law is a highly regulated area of law. Title 14 of the CFR provides access to the regulations for aeronautics and space. Additionally, Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR) are published also. Here are links to the applicable regulations for aviation law:

• Current Regulations via E-CFR
• Current & Historical SFAR
• FAA Rulemaking (Proposed and Final Rules published in the Federal Register)

Secondary Sources

A. Treatises

• Lee J. Kreindler, Aviation Accident Law (1993-2008, KF1290.A9K74 ) only updated electronically
• Robert M. Jarvis et.al., Aviation Law: Cases and Materials (2006) KF2400.A7J36
• Paul S. Dempsey et.al., Aviation Law and Regulation KF2439.D45 1992 (2 volume, loose-leaf).

In addition to the treatises listed above, you can locate additional material on Aviation Law, consult our library catalog and enter a Subject search for one of the following subjects:

• Aeronautics
• Aeronautics -- Law and legislation -- United States
• Aeronautics, Commercial -- United States
• Aeronautics, Commercial -- Law and legislation
• Aeronautics, Commercial -- Law and legislation -- United States

You may also conduct a keyword search of the catalog. For a short demonstration of how to conduct a keyword search, click here.

B. Academic Journals

The following journals are accessible via the library's electronic resources:

• Air & Space Power Journal
• Air Traffic Management
• Aviation History
• Aviation Week and Space Technology
• Journal of Air Law

C. News & Current Awareness

• Aviation and Airport Development Law Blog (published by Chevalier, Allen & Lichman, LLP)
• Aviation Law Prof Blog (edited by DePaul University College of Law International Aviation Law Institute directors)
• Justia Aviation Law Blog Posts (compilation of blog posts)
• Westlaw Journal Aviation - Provides weekly updates of lawsuits, regulations and other developments in aviation law.

Government Resources

• Federal Aviation Administration - The FAA is the regulatory arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for airports, air traffic organization, aviation policy, planning and environment,
  • Regulations and Policies
  • Data and Research
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) - This independent agency of the federal government investigates every civil aviation accident in the United States.
  • Aviation
• House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Also has oversight for the Sub-Committee on Aviation.
• U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation - Sub-Committee on Aviation Operations, Safety & Security
• U.S. Department of Transportation (Aviation Information for Citizens)

Associations and Organizations

American Bar Association:

• Forum on Air and Space Law
• Aviation Litigation Committee

Lawyer Pilots Bar Association

• The association is "dedicated to aviation safety, the just administration of the law and continuing legal education".

International Civil Aviation Organization

• Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, which "works to achieve its vision of safe, secure and sustainable development of civil aviation through cooperation among its member states".

National Institute for Aviation Research

• An institute at Wichita State University dedicated to providing research, technology transfer and education for the purpose of advancing the aviation industries.

Center for General Aviation Research

• Consortium of university members offering aviation specializations, focusing on applied aviation related research, education and technology transfer.

Center for Aviation Research and Education

• The Center is a non-profit affiliate of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and it "seeks to improve the states' role in the future of the national air transportation system".

Other Resources

Westlaw:

• FTRAN-DOT Federal Transportation - Department of Transportation Decisions database - Directory >Topical Practice Areas > Homeland Security > Transportation > FTRAN-DOT . This database contains documents issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The coverage period for CAB documents is 1979-1984 and DOT coverage starts at 1985.

• FTRAN-CCI Federal Transportation Chief Counsel Interpretations - Directory>Topical Practice Areas > Homeland Security > Transportation > FTRAN-CCI. Coverage begins January 1975. This database contains Chief Counsel Interpretations issued by the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration.

Lexis-Nexis:

• FAA Federal Aviation Administration Decisions - Legal > Area of Law By Topic > Transportation > Investigate Business, Property & Business > Federal Aviation Administration Decisions. Coverage 1987 through current. Contains penalty decisions and orders issued by the Administrator of the FAA.

• AIR Aviation News Stories - Legal > Area of Law - By Topic > Transportation > Search News > Aviation News Stories

Links 02/11 (MK)
Updated 10/30/2007 (YM)

© Georgetown University Law Library.
These guides may be used for educational purposes, as long as proper credit is given.  These guides may  not be sold.  Requests to republish or adapt a guide should be directed to the Head of Patron Services. Proper credit includes the statement: Written by Georgetown Law Library (current as of .....).