Susan Hofer serves as the Chair of the firm’s Aviation Litigation Practice Group. Susan has been litigating since 1988 and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina. She has also been admitted to practice Pro Hac Vice in many other jurisdictions. She joined the Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP team in 2014.
In addition to her extensive litigation experience, Susan is an FAA certificated pilot, holding commercial and certified flight instructor, small unmanned aircraft system, remote pilot, instrument airplane, and glider certificates. This combined expertise, along with a technical background from extensive patent research experience, enables her to effectively and successfully analyze and litigate aviation, products liability, and other technically-based cases. She has successfully represented manufacturers, pilots, mechanics, FBOs, Part 135 operators, and others in matters involving everything from complex litigation arising from major air crashes to FAA enforcement actions.
Over the years Susan has spoken numerous times to various aviation and legal groups and taught a college course in Aviation Law.
Susan is an active member of aviation and legal organizations including the North Carolina Bar, American Bar Association, Aviation Insurance Association, International Aviation Womens Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Organization of Flying Adjusters, National Business Aviation Association, and is a Panel Attorney for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Susan is an active pilot, who flies a Mooney 252 in the course of her law practice and for enjoyment. She was elected as an officer of the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association, presided as President of the organization in 2008-2009, and now serves on the Board of Directors.
ARTICLES, PRESENTATIONS, AND PUBLICATIONS
- “Handling Spoliation of Evidence Issues in Aviation Cases,” Aviation Insurance Association 2019 Conference (May 2019)
Most Recent Posts
Extensions of NC Court Deadlines and IC Medical Motion Hearings
UPDATED APRIL 3, 2020 There have been several operation and deadline updates affecting North Carolina’s courts and the Industrial Commission. … Read More
Expanded FMLA Leave and Paid Sick Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is Signed Into Law On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the… Read More
Highlights and Evolving Trends in the Aviation Industry: Guidance and Suggested Practices for Coping with COVID-19
The CSH Law Aviation Practice Group serves a variety of companies and individuals in the Aviation industry, all of whom… Read More
Susan Hofer and Mica Nguyen Worthy Present at AIA Annual Conference
Susan Hofer and Mica Nguyen Worthy were featured presenters at the 2019 Aviation Insurance Association Conference in Asheville. On May 3, Susan and Mica presented a session entitled “Handling Spoliation of Evidence Issues in Aviation Cases.” Their presentation was part of the conference’s Continuing Legal Education sessions.… Read More
Aviation April 2018
The CSH Law Aviation Practice Group experienced “Aviation April” this year. We started off the month at the SMU Air… Read More
Susan Hofer Inducted Into Aviation Insurance Association Eagle Society
Susan Hofer, Chair of the Aviation Litigation Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, was honored to be recently inducted into the Eagle Society of the Aviation Insurance Association (AIA).… Read More
Susan Hofer to Discuss Drones on Carolina Business Review Episode
Susan Hofer, the Chair of the Aviation Law Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, will appear on an upcoming episode of the Carolina Business Review which premieres April 14. Susan participated in a panel discussion about drone aircraft (UAS) and the legislation and privacy concerns surrounding them.… Read More
Susan Hofer Discusses Drone Aircraft
Susan Hofer, Chair of the Aviation Law Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, recently spoke at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Aviation Committee Meeting. On March 7, Susan provided a summary on development of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), also known as drones. … Read More
CSH Aviation Group prevails in Federal trial obtaining damage award for FBO Defendant with limited damages awarded to Plaintiff aircraft owner
Result: Defense verdict- Limited Damages and Reimbursement to Defendant The CSH Aviation Group (Susan Hofer and Mica Worthy) recently prevailed… Read More
Susan Hofer to Speak at Campbell Law Review Symposium
Susan Hofer, an attorney in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, will serve as a panel moderator at the 2017 Campbell Law Review Symposium. The event which will be held Feb. 2-3, is entitled “Flying Above the Law: Legal Issues Surrounding the Domestic Use of Drone.” … Read More
Susan Hofer Receives Remote Pilot Certification for Drone (sUAS) Operations
Susan Hofer, chair of the Aviation Law Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, was recently issued a Remote Pilot Certificate with rating for Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The certificate authorizes Susan to oversee commercial operations of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, also known as drones.… Read More
New FAA Policy Issued on Use of Hangars and Other Structures at an Airport
Effective July 1, 2016, the FAA has now provided a change in policy for airports that accept federal grants, or… Read More
FAA issues long awaited Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulations
New Law Goes into Effect August 29, 2016 After many months, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued regulations towards… Read More
CSH Law Sponsors IAWA Annual Conference
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) sponsors the 2014 Annual Meeting of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) in Seattle. … Read More
CSH Law Sponsors OFA Meeting
CSH Law sponsors the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Organization of Flying Adjusters (OFA) in Baton Rouge, La. Susan Hofer, Chair of the Aviation Litigation Practice Group at CSH Law, is a licensed pilot and member of IAWA.… Read More
Susan Hofer Joins CSH Law Charlotte
Susan Hofer has joined the CSH Law firm’s Charlotte office as a partner practicing aviation law. Susan will lead the firm’s new Aviation Law group.… Read More
