Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell periodically publishes the Airport Law Alert which describes and analyzes recent legal developments related to airports and aviation. The Alert supplements the summaries presented on this Airport News page. Click here to view and download the most recent copy and previous copies of the Alert.
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UPS Pilots File Suit Against Fatigue Rule
On December 22, 2011, firm client, the Independent Pilots Association, filed suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals challenging the FAA’s final rule on pilot flight and duty time. IPA, which represents 2,700 pilots flying for the United Parcel Service, specifically is challenging the FAA’s decision to exempt cargo carriers from the new rule. According to IPA General Counsel William Trent, "The IPA seeks to have cargo operations included within the scope of the rule because of the safety benefits provided by the rule. IPA does not seek to delay implementation of these important safety benefits to passenger operations.” To learn more about IPA’s petition, visit the IPA website at www.ipapilot.org, or contact Tom Devine.
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EU Court of Justice Upholds Emissions Trading Scheme for Aviation
On December 20, 2011, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld the EU’s 2008 decision to include aviation in the emissions trading scheme (ETS), beginning January 2012. The EU has imposed a “cap and trade” system to account for the greenhouse gas emissions of commercial airlines operating at European airports. The Court of Justice rejected claims by the Air Transport Association and several U.S. airlines that the ETS is inconsistent with prior agreements and international law. For a summary of the court’s judgment, click here. For a copy of the judgment, click here.
