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General

David M. Hernandez provides practical, end-to-end counsel, helping aviation industry clients navigate aircraft acquisitions, audits and disputes.

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Repeatedly recognized as a leader in his field, he manages all aspects of aviation transactions and financings, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, government investigations and enforcement defense.

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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 David's help in managing their aviation transactions from inception to post-close operations, as well as their regulatory matters. His 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.

David 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, David 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.

A former FAA prosecutor and U.S. DOT Honors Program attorney, David combines exceptional critical thinking and crisis management skills with a clear understanding and working knowledge of the many regulations and regulatory processes impacting the aviation community. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Gulf War and currently chairs Vedder’s Business Aviation and Regulation Sub-Practice. David frequently speaks and writes about emerging regulatory and transactional issues in aviation.

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Successfully negotiated on behalf of clients with Gulfstream and Bombardier for the flagship Gulfstream G800 and Bombardier Global 7500/8000 new acquisitions.

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Assisted several clients with aircraft transaction processes, including broker and management company selection, agreement negotiations and all related financing aspects.

Resolved an aircraft manufacturer dispute arising from damage to the client's aircraft that occurred when the manufacturer was performing scheduled maintenance.

Ensured maximum utilization and efficiencies in the aircraft operational planning process for several family offices.

Handled all corporate and due diligence matters for various clients that paved the way for their successful acquisition of aerospace parts manufacturers, repair stations and air carriers, and public listing, handling all corporate and due diligence matters.

Successfully represented clients before the FAA, SEC and IRS in connection with audits, enforcement actions and investigations.

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Washington DC

Edward K. Gross and David M. Hernandez to Present at Corporate Jet Investor London 2023

David M. Hernandez

David M. Hernandez

Credentials

Education

Bar Admissions

Court Admissions

Affiliations

Recognition

Insights & Events

David Hernandez and Eddie Gross Set to Moderate Panels at Corporate Jet Investor Miami 2025

David Hernandez to Present on Aircraft Agreements at 2025 NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference

Vedder Price Global Transportation Finance Business Aviation Practice and Attorneys Recognized in Chambers HNW Rankings 2025

100% Bonus Depreciation Returns: What OBBBA Means for Aircraft, Rail and Heavy Equipment

David Hernandez Quoted in Mansion Global on Tariff Uncertainty and Its Impact on the Aviation Industry

David Hernandez to Speak at the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Taxes Seminar

The Mouse That Roared: A Look Back at TCW v. Evergreen

Remember Basic Import Rules when Calculating Tariffs

David M. Hernandez

Credentials

Education

Bar Admissions

Court Admissions

Affiliations

Recognition

Insights & Events

David Hernandez and Eddie Gross Set to Moderate Panels at Corporate Jet Investor Miami 2025

David Hernandez to Present on Aircraft Agreements at 2025 NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference

Vedder Price Global Transportation Finance Business Aviation Practice and Attorneys Recognized in Chambers HNW Rankings 2025

100% Bonus Depreciation Returns: What OBBBA Means for Aircraft, Rail and Heavy Equipment

David Hernandez Quoted in Mansion Global on Tariff Uncertainty and Its Impact on the Aviation Industry

David Hernandez to Speak at the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Taxes Seminar

The Mouse That Roared: A Look Back at TCW v. Evergreen

Remember Basic Import Rules when Calculating Tariffs

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