Flight Issues
Flying & Liability
No legal action can be taken for trespass and nuisance by reason of flight of aircraft over property at a height which having regard to wind, weather, and all the circumstances is reasonable, or the ordinary incidents of the flight, provided that the other terms and conditions are complied with.
There are penalties for dangerous flying. The owner and the person guilty of the offence primarily are each liable for conviction. The owner is not liable if the pilot has flown without the fault or knowledge of the owner.
The Minister may make directions regarding the standard of safety and security which the operator must apply in relation to aircraft, if the aircraft is registered in the State or when an aircraft is within or over the State, if not so registered. It is the duty of the operator of the aircraft to furnish the Minister with reports in relation to compliance.
Ministerial powers are conferred to make provision in relation to risks from collision in the air and signals of distress equivalent to those for ships and other vessels.
Salvage
Services provided in assisting and saving life or saving cargo from an aircraft in or over the sea, tidal water or shores is deemed salvage. The principles in the shipping context apply.
Any services provided in saving life or cargo of an aircraft over seas or tidal waters are deemed to be salvage services. Similarly, where salvage services are rendered by an aircraft to any property or person, the owner of the aircraft shall be entitled to the same reward as if the aircraft had been a vessel.
Intellectual Property
Where an aircraft is alleged to be passing through the State which itself infringes an invention, design, or model protected under intellectual property law, it is lawful for the court to order the aircraft to be detained until security is given in respect of such alleged infringement.
Seaplanes
Certain provisions of the merchant shipping legislation are applied to seaplanes. Harbour authorities have powers to make byelaws for the regulation of seaplanes on their water.
Accidents
The owner or occupier of an aircraft may be required to maintain liability insurance in respect of loss or damage to any person or property in the aircraft or to any persons in the State in respect of damage caused by the aircraft to persons or property. The policy of insurance must comply with certain conditions, and a certificate of insurance must be issued.
The Minister has made regulations regarding the investigation of air accidents. Accidents must be immediately notified. Accident scenes may not interfere with the pending investigation. A licence may be endorsed, surrendered, or cancelled in consequence of the finding of an investigation.
The regulation may provide giving of notice and provide pending investigation for safeguarding and preservation of materials necessary for the investigation. They provide for cancellation, suspension, or endorsement of a licence where it appears in the investigation that it should be so cancelled.
Offences
Any offence under the Air Navigation Legislation and any offence committed on an Irish aircraft is deemed committed where the offender is, for the purpose of jurisdiction. The Minister for Justice may prescribe courts in relation to which proceedings under the legislation may be taken.
Returns
The Minister may make regulations requiring persons who carry on a passenger aircraft business or who hold a licence in respect of an aerodrome, to furnish returns and information. The information is primarily for customs purposes.