Paul Alp and Tyler Conklin Featured in Lexology’s In-Depth Series on Aviation Law

Partner and Aviation & Aerospace Team Co-Leader Paul Alp and Associate Tyler Conklin were recently featured contributors in Lexology’s In Depth: Aviation Law series. Their work provides a comprehensive overview of how civil aviation is regulated in the United States, outlining federal jurisdiction, key agency authority, and emerging policy priorities.

Below is a breakdown of the first two published installments, with the third part coming soon.

Part 1: Federal Structure of U.S. Aviation Regulation

Part 1 introduces the framework governing U.S. civil aviation. Alp and Conklin highlight the Federal Aviation Administration, the primary regulatory agency responsible for aircraft certification, airworthiness, operations, and the management of the national airspace. They also outline the roles of additional agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Transportation Security Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Customs and Border Protection, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The first installment also explains how disputes are resolved through state and federal courts or commercial arbitration, depending on the issue.

Read Part 1

Part 2: Current Developments and Practical Implications 

Part 2 builds on the federal overview and moves into key developments shaping today’s aviation landscape. This includes Congress’s increasing focus on integrating commercial drone operations, evolving enforcement priorities, and how regulatory changes affect operators, manufacturers, and service providers. Alp and Conklin examine recent trends, compliance considerations, and the real-world impacts that businesses should expect as federal agencies refine their policies.

Read Part 2

Part 3: Coming Soon

The upcoming third installment will complete the series. This section will be updated once Part 3 is published.