Membership Services
Attorney/pilot relies on AOPA Legal Services Plan
Christopher Piety an attorney and a pilot, of San Carlos, Calif., recognized that he needed assistance in navigating the complexity of the U.S. Code and its application to pilots for both compliance and to defend himself if he needed to.
“What research I have done and what I learned from the AOPA articles by John and Kathy Yodice, the FAA enforcement system does not give pilots the usual constitutional due process rights and hearing procedures fundamental to our civil and criminal systems. That means a pilot must know how to handle him- or herself correctly the first time, or risk losing the privilege we all work hard for,” said Piety.
And for that reason, he is enrolled in the AOPA Legal Services Plan, which makes aviation legal assistance and representation available to him as an AOPA member.
“The Legal Services Plan is tremendous in that for very little cost, one has access to a level of expertise that costs many thousands of dollars on the retail market,” said Piety, an AOPA Legal Services Plan member for two years. “As an insurance claims professional, I purchase specialty legal services at wholesale prices, and the AOPA program still beats that hands down. There is no question that everyone should have this protection for the tremendous value it provides.”
Most pilots don’t think they’ll need legal assistance because they’re good, careful, and experienced pilots, or because they don’t fly often. But the plan provides members with services they may need, no matter how infrequently they fly—like reviewing their hangar, tie-down, and lease agreements.
“I have used the service already to obtain advice and assistance on a self-reporting matter. I also plan on using the service for when I am purchasing an airplane within the next year,” said Piety. “As an attorney, I have very high expectations of fellow professionals. AOPA exceeded my expectations with assistance that was immediate, courteous, on point legally, but also practical.”
Take a moment to enroll in the Legal Services Plan online or call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).
August 19, 2009
