History and Overview

Founded in 1984, the NTSB Bar Association is comprised of attorneys that practice before the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). While the main focus of the group is the representation of pilots and aviation businesses in regulatory, certification, and enforcement actions, many members practice in other areas of the law as well, such as air crash litigation, aviation insurance defense, taxation, and business law. Membership in the Association is open to practicing attorneys, law students or other individuals interested in aviation law. Many members are active pilots.

The NTSB Bar Association is active in promoting legislation that is favorable to pilots and aviation businesses. It also works as a support structure for its members to provide them with the latest information on aviation enforcement decisions, FAA, DOT and NTSB actions, pending legislation and industry news. The Association strives to promote the highest ethical standards among attorneys and to foster good relationships between its members and the FAA, NTSB and DOT. The Association also works as a referral network for attorneys practicing in certain geographical areas or specialized areas of expertise.

The Association holds a full-day Annual Meeting each fall. Past meetings included panel discussions by members of the National Transportation Safety Board, Administrative Law Judges of the NTSB and DOT, and numerous staff members from various government agencies. The Association also publishes a Newsletter and Membership Directory for members.

In addition to the Annual Meeting, the NTSB Bar Association has sponsored two aviation legal symposiums at Pensacola, Florida in conjunction with the Aviation Section of the Florida Bar Association, and with the support and assistance of the United States Navy. Aside from interesting and informative educational programs to which a number of State Bars have given CLE accreditation, attendees were treated to a private performance by the Blue Angels and attended a banquet at the Naval Aviation Museum. Planning for future Pensacola Programs, and similar programs in other geographic locations, are currently under way.

For the coming year, the NTSB Bar Association is committed to an ambitious and dynamic agenda. Much of this work will be accomplished through its Standing Committees. Members are encouraged to serve on these Committees, contributing not only to the Bar Association's success, but to the betterment of the legal profession, the legal system and the aviation community.