David M McDonald

            I am certified as a specialist in Aviation Law by the Florida Bar and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating.  I obtained a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree from Auburn University in 1985 and a Juris Doctorate degree (Law) in 1990 from Nova University.  I am admitted to practice in all State Courts in Florida, all State Courts in Colorado, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.  HMy experience has concentrated in commercial litigation, aviation and marine litigation, defense of Federal Aviation Administration enforcement actions, and insurance litigation and insurance defense litigation for American and London insurers and syndicates. I have handled various admiralty matters including vessel seizures, forfeitures, seamen’s claims, cargo claims, and personal injury and death litigation.

           I serve as a member of the Florida Bar Aviation Law Committee and have served on the Aviation Law Certification Committee, for which I am a past Chairperson, which determines if applicants meet the requirements to be Board Certified Aviation Attorneys.  I am a member of the Aviation Insurance Association, the International Air & Transportation Safety Bar Association, the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association, National Business Aviation Association, and The Dade County Bar Association.

            My work experience in the aeronautical engineering field was concentrated in structural dynamics and aero­dynamic testing and design.  My aeronautical educational back­ground includes training aeronautics and astronautics, structural analysis and design, vibrational dynamics, solid and liquid rocket propulsion, and jet propulsion.

         I am a private pilot with SE & ME Land, SE Sea, and Instrument Airplane ratings. I have performed maintenance on single and multiengine aircraft under the supervision of Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic or Authorized Inspector for a number of years. I am a 25+ year member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.