Member Services

Things can go wrong on flights, even for pilots who have done their homework, checked notices to airmen, and endeavored to keep track of temporary flight restrictions. The FAA initiates thousands of enforcement actions each year.

If you ever find yourself called upon by the FAA to explain an incident involving your flying activities, AOPA General Counsel John S. Yodice offers this advice: "Perhaps it goes without saying, but your response to the FAA should be truthful and not misleading. However, except in limited instances, there is no legal or moral compulsion for a pilot to respond to an FAA request for information. Pilots believe that all they need to do to resolve a situation is to explain their side to the FAA. Unfortunately, pilots will often say things unnecessarily that could hurt them later in an enforcement case. Resist your initial reaction to respond too quickly."

If something happens, would you know what to say to the FAA? AOPA's Legal Services Plan ensures that you'll get legal help when you need it. The plan costs $26 per year for student and private pilots.

AOPA Legal Services Plan enrollees can receive unlimited consultation with the program's legal staff on most aviation matters covered by the plan. The plan pays most or all attorney fees for a variety of aviation-related legal issues, including FAA enforcement actions, revoked or suspended medical certificates, aircraft accidents involving you or an aircraft that you own, alcohol and drug testing related to flight activities, U.S. Customs enforcement, and more.

If you own or rent an airplane, you can use the plan's legal staff to review aircraft rental or leaseback agreements, as well as hangar or tiedown leases. Legal advice is also available on the purchase or sale of an aircraft, and on aviation-related federal tax matters. You can choose one of the plan's more than 600 panel attorneys located around the United States, or you may use your own attorney and be reimbursed for services on a predetermined schedule.

For complete details, download the AOPA Legal Services Plan Certificate of Enrollment. Once enrolled, your coverage runs concurrently with your AOPA membership and is renewed annually. You can enroll online in minutes, or call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672). The AOPA Legal Services Plan is one of about 20 money-saving, high-value AOPA Member Products designed especially for association members.

For more information on the Legal Services Plan, see AOPA Online.