Profile
James LeBrun is an aviation attorney who provides advice and counsel to clients related to the purchase, sale, lease, finance, and operation of new and pre-owned aircraft as well as factional aircraft interests. James provides both high-level counsel (the view from “thirty-thousand feet”), and, when needed, a granular review of the business and regulatory landscape associated with the world-wide ownership and operation of business aircraft.
James, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, began his aviation career as an aircraft mechanic in the United States Marine Corps. He spent the better part of 19 years as a pilot (instructing, cargo, air ambulance, UHNWI transportation) and earned type ratings in multiple business aircraft. James maintains his certification as a flight instructor and is an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic (A&P).
Concentrations
- Business and private aircraft acquisition and sales
- Indirect (Part 380) Air Carrier operations and compliance
- Acquisition of Part 135 Air Carriers
- Acquisition of Part 91K Fractional Aircraft Operator
- Aircraft ownership and operating advice on federal, state, and local tax issues
- Regulatory structuring and compliance
- Risk management
- Aircraft management and charter
- Texas Aircraft Property Tax Issues
Capabilities
Experience
- Representation of the estate of a high profile UHNWI with the orderly liquidation of entire (three (3) aircraft) flight department.
- Representation of family-owned manufacturing business with the sale of current turbo-prop aircraft and the acquisition of mid-sized business jet aircraft.
- Served as outside aviation counsel for the acquisition by a private equity group in connection with its acquisition of a large Part 91K and Part 135 fractional aircraft operator.
- Representation of a private purchaser in the acquisition of a Part 135 commercial helicopter operation.
- Served as outside aviation counsel for the acquisition of a large helicopter air tour operation.
- Served as outside aviation counsel for the purchase of a large Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance Facility including the associated FAA certificated Repair Station.
- Representation of a per-seat Part 380 indirect air carrier with both the formation and on-going operations. Regularly provides advise related to DOT regulatory compliance.
- Provide advice and guidance related to proper structures for aircraft ownership and operation and with regard to FAA .
- Mechanic, United States Marine Corps, VMFA-312, 1988-1992
- Pilot, Empire Aviation Group, 2008-2010
- Pilot, USA Jet Airlines, 2004-2008
- Pilot, Cape Air, 2002
- Pilot Airnet Systems, 2000-2002
- Pilot, Ameriflight, LLC, 1999-2000
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, Federal Aviation Administration
- Airline Transport Pilot, Federal Aviation Administration
- Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, Federal Aviation Administration
Recognition & Leadership
- Member, State Bar of Texas, 2013-Present
- Member, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
- Member, NBAA Domestic Operations Committee
- Member, NBAA Part 135 Subcommittee
- Member, National Aircraft Finance Association
- Member, International Aircraft Dealers Association
Credentials
- J.D., Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
- B.S., Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Texas