Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Full-Service Representation.
Cutting-Edge Technology.

We represent businesses and individuals looking to operate, manufacture, buy, lease, sell, or insure UAS, also commonly referred to as “drones.”

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

With roots firmly planted in aviation, FMJ is a natural choice for businesses and individuals looking to operate, manufacture, buy, lease, sell, or insure unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – also commonly referred to as “drones.”

The UAS industry is rapidly expanding and has immense economic potential for those who choose to integrate UAS into their businesses. Congress mandated UAS regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requiring the inclusion of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) under certain operational limitations. Since the infancy of commercial and hobby UAS use, FMJ attorneys have been advising early adopters of the current state of regulatory affairs, as well as procedures for licensing and registration requirements for UAS use. In addition to the rules governing the use of UAS, there are many other aspects of UAS use in which FMJ has substantial experience, such as guiding users through liability protections and insurance requirements. Regardless of the level of their UAS experience, businesses and individuals that recognize the significant impact that UAS can have in their operations should be seeking legal counsel to help them navigate the complex regulations, operational restrictions and economic considerations that UAS use entails.

FMJ attorneys offer full-service representation for users of UAS. For individuals and businesses that want to use UAS for public or commercial purposes, we assist with advising and obtaining any special or experimental airworthiness certificates, certificates of waiver or authorization or any other licensing and administrative permission required to conduct the desired UAS operations. We also advise on and help avoid various legal pitfalls of owning and operating UAS. We guide manufacturers of UAS through corporate dealings and general business issues, as well as assist with obtaining type certificates, if necessary. We also represent insurers that provide UAS insurance coverage.

Our UAS group also includes a team of litigators for when lawsuits arise. These attorneys are experienced aviation litigators who have tried some of the biggest aviation cases in the United States. The veteran counsel at FMJ have tried many highly-publicized and nationally-important cases, including Wicker v. Trans World Airlines & Boeing, the landmark TWA #841 rollover case, and Hoeper v. Air Wisconsin, a case that reached the United States Supreme Court, ending victoriously for our client Air Wisconsin Airlines and creating security implications for the entire airline industry. We also handle FAA enforcement matters and product liability cases, including those related to UAS matters.

With FMJ’s long-time involvement in the aviation industry, it is poised and prepared to handle the needs of its clients concerning this emerging technology.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Resources

June 2023

Chambers Selects Kevin Johnson for 2023 Ranking in Aviation and Transportation!

Chambers and Partners has selected Kevin Johnson for Ranking in its 2023 Transportation: Aviation: Finance list! Read more

October 2022

Slow Fade Into the Sunset: When is 100% Bonus Depreciation Still Available?

I’m learning to fly, around the clouds. But what goes up, must come down. I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings. Coming... Read more

October 2022

Nathan Haynor Selected as Treasurer of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA)

Congratulations to Attorney Nate Haynor, who has been selected to serve as Treasurer of the MBAA! This position is a four-year term progression, which... Read more

July 2022

Sixteen FMJ Attorneys Named to 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List

We are proud to announce that sixteen of our attorneys have been named 2022 Minnesota ‘Super Lawyers’ and ‘Rising Stars.’ Congratulations to our current... Read more

July 2022

CEO Corner | First 100 Days

The first 100 days of a presidential term tend to carry with it a lot of significance. It can give an indication of the... Read more

June 2022

Question and Answer: Bob Fafinski Discusses New Role as Chairman of the Board at FMJ

We announced last month that Heidi Carpenter will take hold of the reins as CEO on July 1, 2022, and that Bob Fafinski will... Read more

January 2021

FMJ’s New Office Space Featured in Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s Cool Offices

Our newly renovated office space was featured in Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s Cool Offices weekly feature. Our renovation was completed in May 2020... Read more

July 2020

Eleven FMJ Attorneys Named to 2020 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

We are proud to announce that eleven of our attorneys have been named 2020 Minnesota ‘Super Lawyers’ and ‘Rising Stars.’ Congratulations to our ranked... Read more

July 2019

FMJ Minnesota Super Lawyers 2019

We are proud to announce that 40% of our attorneys have been named 2019 Minnesota ‘Super Lawyers’ and ‘Rising Stars.’ Congratulations to our “Super... Read more

November 2018

FMJ Named Best of The Best by Southwest News Media

FMJ was chosen as the “Best Legal Firm” in Southwest News Media‘s Best of the Best Contest. This was the second year for Southwest... Read more

July 2018

Eleven FMJ Attorneys Named to 2018 Super Lawyers List

We are proud to announce that over 40% of our attorneys have been named 2018 Minnesota ‘Super Lawyers’ and ‘Rising Stars.’ Congratulations to our... Read more

April 2018

FMJ Named to the “100 Best Companies to Work For” List by Minnesota Business Magazine for the Sixth Year

Since 2012, the “100 Best Companies to Work For” event honors Minnesota companies that set the standard for employee well-being. “The 100 Best” are... Read more

July 2017

Eleven FMJ Attorneys Named ‘Super Lawyers’ and ‘Rising Stars’ for 2017

We are proud to announce that more than one-third of our attorneys have been named 2017 ‘Super Lawyers’ and ‘Rising Stars.’ Super Lawyers rates... Read more

June 2017

FMJ CEO Bob Fafinski Announces 2019 Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club

FMJ CEO Bob Fafinski was recently elected the President of Hazeltine National Golf Club. Soon after his election, he found himself announcing another milestone... Read more

May 2017

UAS Facility Maps Made Available to UAS Operators

As part of the FAA’s policy governing the commercial operations of UAS in the National Airspace System, there are altitudes and areas in which... Read more

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