Structuring Aircraft Acquisition Transactions: Purchase, Lease, and Financing Alternatives

Repeatedly recognized as a leader in his field, Mr. Hernandez manages all aspects of aviation transactions and financings, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, government investigations and enforcement defense. Clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies, high-net-worth individuals, governments, corporate flight departments, and charter operators to some of the world's largest airlines and aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, and airports seek his help in managing their aviation transactions from inception to post-close operations, as well as their regulatory matters. Mr. Hernandez’s experience spans aircraft selection, deal due diligence, broker selection, contractual and management agreements, documentation, tax planning, use policies, inspection and closing processes, and dispute resolution. He has significant experience resolving aircraft operational issues, financing, leasing and regulatory matters, complex government investigations, aircraft and part certifications, and FAA, DOT, BIS/OFAC, IRS and SEC enforcement matters. He is also well-versed in cross-border aviation/aerospace matters, including tariffs, export controls, international sanctions, transactions and international disputes. Over the course of his career, Mr. Hernandez has handled more than 1,000 successful transactions and has crafted solutions that meet his clients’ short and long-term objectives. He has also resolved several complex government enforcement matters, tax audits and investigations. Mr. Hernandez frequently speaks and writes about emerging regulatory and transactional issues in aviation.

Ms. McGee works with businesses and high net worth individuals on acquiring and structuring ownership of corporate jets. She is adept at supporting clients in finding the balance between business interests, tax goals, and regulatory compliance. Ms. McGee has extensive experience in aircraft acquisitions, finance, leasing, management, charter operations, insurance, regulatory matters, and federal and state tax matters. She has a particularly and uniquely high level of regulatory experience, making her an excellent attorney to support both domestic and international clients as they explore aircraft ownership options and move through the acquisition process. Ms. McGee is highly skilled in achieving regulatory compliance, mitigating risk and liability concerns, and setting up and achieving business and tax goals. She is affiliated with the Women in Corporate Aviation organization as well as the National Business of Aviation Association. Ms. McGee has been honored to serve on multiple industry committees, including the Part 125/135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee, and the NBAA Regulatory Issues Advisory Group. She has also written numerous published articles on business aviation issues and is a frequent speaker at aviation conferences and events.

Mr. Range has significant experience representing Part 91 and Part 135 operators, buyers, sellers, lessors, and lessees in aircraft leases and purchases. He also has experience representing lenders in aviation finance transactions and partnering with all types of aviation businesses, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities; aircraft leasing and financing companies; aircraft management companies; and aircraft parts manufacturers and sellers.