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 (Cranfill Sumner) team in 2014 and serves on the Cranfill Sumner COVID-19 Response Team.
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
Aviation Cases and the Montreal Convention
We are sometimes asked about the application of the Montreal Convention to personal injury cases involving air travel, particularly with… Read More
Welcome to the New NTSB Report Access Site = CAROL
The NTSB has upgraded its search query tool for reports and recommendations. The new CAROL system (Case Analysis and Reporting… Read More
Can their expert say that?
What information aviation experts should be allowed to rely upon in formulating opinions for trial In a previous article, we… Read More
Susan Hofer and Mica Worthy Obtained Dismissal with Prejudice for an Air Carrier Client
Susan Hofer (Charlotte) and Mica Worthy (Charlotte) obtained dismissal with prejudice for an air carrier client in an action involving… Read More
U.S. and Switzerland Approve Drone Agreement
On July 8, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation announced the adoption… Read More
What Information From An NTSB Report is Admissible Evidence in Court?
In many of our aviation accident cases, one of the first tasks for investigation is reviewing the report from the… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Launches COVID-19 Response Team
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced the creation of its COVID-19 Response Team. The team is comprised of… Read More
Aviation Industry Updates (Week of May 18, 2020)
Note: This article is current as of May 18, 2020 and consists of highlights from various resources, but does not include all… Read More
Top 3 Things Pilots Need To Know About The New SFAR
No. 1 Certain relief in the SFAR only applies to certain operations. The areas of relief including Relief from Certain Training, Recency, Testing,… Read More
Aviation Industry Update (Week of April 20, 2020)
Note: This article is current as of April 23, 2020 and consists of highlights from various resources, but does not… Read More
Aviation Industry Update (Week of April 13, 2020)
Note: This article is current as of April 14, 2020 and consists of highlights from various resources, but does not… Read More
Highlights and Evolving Trends in the Aviation Industry: Guidance and Suggested Practices for Coping with COVID-19
The Cranfill Sumner 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 Cranfill Sumner 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 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 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 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 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 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
Cranfill Sumner Sponsors IAWA Annual Conference
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) sponsors the 2014 Annual Meeting of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) in Seattle. … Read More
Cranfill Sumner Sponsors OFA Meeting
Cranfill Sumner 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 Cranfill Sumner, is a licensed pilot and member of IAWA.… Read More
Susan Hofer Joins Cranfill Sumner Charlotte
Susan Hofer has joined the Cranfill Sumner firm’s Charlotte office as a partner practicing aviation law. Susan will lead the firm’s new Aviation Law group.… Read More
