Commercial Pilot, Accident Investigator, Aviation Lawyer; Your Own Personal Top Gun
Attorney Don Werno has almost three decades of aviation experience, which has helped him successfully represent pilots and passengers in aircraft crash cases and in the regulatory violation process. He holds the Federal Aviation Administration Certificates of Gold Seal Single and Multi-Engine Aircraft Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot with Instrument Airplane Privileges. Mr. Werno has also flown helicopters and has used his experience to train hundreds of pilots, including pilots who fly Search and Rescue missions. With more than 2,000 hours of actual flight experience, including flying search and rescue missions as an Aircraft Commander, we know aviation and aviation disaster.
Lawyer Don Werno formerly worked with the National Transportation Safety Board and has been personally involved in aircraft crash investigations involving fixed wing airplanes, experimental aircraft and helicopters. He has worked on a diverse range of accidents, including the analysis of material failure and the interpretation of aircraft digital flight data recorder information. He also co-developed and co-taught a joint NTSB and FAA seminar titled “Anatomy of an Aircraft Accident: Certified Flight Instructor Responsibilities and Liabilities,” which examined the human factors involved in an actual fatal aircraft accident.
In addition to his hands on, real world aviation experience, Attorney Don Werno has also completed specialized coursework at the University of Southern California (USC) - Institute of Systems and Safety Management, in the area of Aircraft Accident Investigation and Aircraft Crash Litigation. He is also the past president of the Orange County Bar Association’s Aviation Law Section.
We Know Aviation and we Know How to Help You?
We are also frequently asked by our clients to assist in the purchase of a new asset, whether for personal or business use. The purchase of a new or used aircraft can be a daunting experience, especially given that frequently the aircraft is in another state or country or an IRS 1031 exchange may apply. There are numerous little details that need to be considered, including whether the aircraft is eligible or required to be registered under the Cape Town Convention. It is often said, the devil is in the details and we can help keep you from getting stuck with a hot pitchfork during an expensive transaction.
We Focus on Client Service and Results
Unfortunately, the FAA has become neither kinder nor gentler as once suggested by FAA Administrator Jane Garvey way back when. In fact, the FAA seems to be steadily increasing in complexity and less forgiving of perceived pilot transgressions. As such, you may find yourself in possession of a “Letter of Proposed Certificate Action” or subject to an investigation and thus in need of qualified, professional help, fast, as the FAA’s primary remedy is the suspension of your flying privileges. We routinely handle the defense of pilots who are accused of violating one or more Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) before Administrative Law Judges of the NTSB. If you have this type of problem, immediately file a NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System report and give us a call.
For more information or to find out how the Law Offices of Werno & Associates can help you, contact our office today. Se habla Español.