Problems of Property Liability of an Aircraft Developer for the Damage Caused by Design Defects

The paper considers the features characterizing the aviation equipment (aircraft) developer, and, on this basis, the author defines the concept of aviation equipment (aircraft) developer in the context of his participation in relations regulated under civil law. On this basis, an attempt has been made to determine the limits of his liability for damage caused by design defects of the aircraft. It is in the author's opinion that, under a general legal principle of justice, aircraft developers should be held liable for paying damages. To this end, Para. 4 of Art. 37 of the RF Air Code should be supplemented with determination of the aircraft developer functions that the aircraft developer fulfils after the aircraft design documentation is executed, namely: fixing extended operational life of aircraft equipment, providing technical support and maintenance, aircraft design supervision in the process of its production, operation and repair. The next step should involve the formation of judicial practice with regard to awarding damages in disputes involving aircraft developers. The study of the court practice concerning economic disputes in different categories of cases shows that approaches of the courts to the resolution of such disputes in some cases are radically changed as a result of adoption of directives of supreme judicial authorities.

Damage, liability, damages, developer, aircraft, accident, court, causation, fault, engine, design

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