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Third Circuit Limits Scope on Federal Preemption in Aviation Cases

The Third Circuit's 1999 decision in Abdullah v. American Airlines dropped a bombshell with its sweeping declaration that the Federal Aviation Act and its regulations preempt the "entire field" of air safety. Earlier this year, however, the Third Circuit sharply limited the scope of Abdullah's field preemption ruling, holding that it does not extend to state product liability claims.

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit’s 1999 decision in Abdullah v. American Airlines, 181 F.3d 363 (3d Cir. 1999), dropped a bombshell with its sweeping declaration that the Federal Aviation Act (FA Act) (Pub.L. No. 85-726, 72 Stat. 731 (codified as amended at 49 U.S.C. ” 40101-49105)) and its regulations preempt the “entire field” of air safety. While state law historically provided the foundation for nearly all aviation injury and death suits, Abdullah dramatically shifted the landscape, sparking motions to dismiss state law claims and forcing plaintiffs to undertake the often futile task of delineating a federal law basis for their actions. Earlier this year, however, in Sikkelee v. Precision Airmotive Corp., Slip op. No. 14-4193 (3d Cir. April 19, 2016), the Third Circuit sharply limited the scope of Abdullah’s field preemption ruling, holding that it does not extend to state product liability claims.

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