| The history of products liability law affecting aircraft manufacturers today is rooted in the early decisions of English courts and, in America, still remains largely judge-made law. The cost of the legal diversity of more than fifty jurisdictions has been devastating to the American general aviation industry. This segment of American industry is no longer competitive, largely due to the cost of product liability litigation, and major corporations have abandoned the effort. At this time, the United Kingdom is forging ahead with its European Economic Community partners to achieve uniform products liability laws. In America, manufacturers must design, select materials for, manufacture, and test their aircraft according to uniform federal standards. This thesis examines the present law and proposes needed uniform federal tort reform for this industry, which must supply entry-level aircraft to train and develop young American pilots. Our aviation industry is vital to national security and to world stability. |
