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FAA’s Role in Product Liability Could Be in Jeopardy

AOPA filed a briefing with the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on a recent U.S. Court of Appeals product liability decision. Wikimedia Commons/MattWade
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A U.S. Appeals Court ruling allows state courts to impose stricter aircraft design standards than those mandated by the FAA.
  • This decision challenges the long-held industry understanding that federal aviation regulations preempt state-level product liability claims.
  • Aviation groups, like AOPA, warn that conflicting state standards could significantly raise costs for manufacturers and aircraft owners, potentially impacting safety.
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A product liability decision handed down by a U.S. Court of Appeals in North Carolina earlier this year could upend how state courts, as well as aircraft OEMs, view a manufacturer’s responsibilities for aircraft and the parts they create.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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