Frank Polk's practice is focused on aviation title, finance and regulatory law and related matters, as well as the Cape Town Convention, the new international treaty that is having a dramatic impact on the perfection and enforcement of rights in aircraft and engines. Due to the firm's close proximity to the FAA Civil Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City, Frank often acts as special FAA counsel and renders legal opinions based on the Transportation Code and applicable FAA regulations. In this capacity, he has represented a wide variety of regional, national and international clients in connection with owning, leasing, acquiring, financing and operating aircraft. This includes counseling clients on projects relating to ownership and operational issues of corporate aircraft (including fractional ownership) that are governed by FAA regulations. Frank previously served as the leader of the Aviation Group for many years and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (corporate law, equipment finance law), Oklahoma Super Lawyers (aviation) and The International Who's Who of Aviation Lawyers. He currently serves as a representative to the Legal Advisory Panel of Aviation Working Group and as a technical advisor to the International Registry Advisory Board. He is also a frequent panelist, speaker and organizer of aviation law conferences. In addition to lecturing on the Cape Town Convention, his speaking credits include: · Co-Chairperson, "Current Issues in the Law of FAA Aircraft Registration, Liens and Security Interests," sponsored by Strategic Research Institute ("SRI") from 1994-2008; and INSIGHT from 2009-2010 · "Corporate Jet Transactions," sponsored by SRI from 1995-2009 · NBAA Annual Tax Conference, sponsored by the National Business Aviation Association ("NBAA") from 1995-2009 · Various tax and regulatory forums sponsored by the NBAA from 1995-2007 · Aviation Conferences sponsored by the Federal Bar Association in 1991, 2001 and 2007 · Forum on Negotiation and Documentation of Aircraft Finance Transactions, sponsored by SRI (various years from 1994-2007) · Annual Aircraft Acquisition Planning, sponsored by Conklin & de Deker, 2006-2007 · Various national and international conferences pertaining to the Cape Town Convention, sponsored by the Legal Advisory Panel to the Aviation Working Group from 2007-2010 Frank is also a licensed title insurance agent in the State of Oklahoma and founder of Global Aviation Title Insurance Agency, LLC. Global is a licensed agent of First American Transportation Title Insurance Company, a subsidiary of one of the largest title insurance companies in the world. Representative Experience · Advising clients regarding the perfection and enforcement of rights under the Cape Town Convention and Protocol. · Structuring transactions to comply with the Transportation Code and related regulations on U.S. citizenship and aircraft registration issues, including the use of owner trusts, voting trusts and additional registration alternatives. · Representation of banks, lenders and lessors in connection with financing aircraft and perfecting interests of record with the FAA. · Representation of clients by issuing lien memorandums regarding the status of the FAA records, drafting documents to be recorded with the FAA, and issuing closing opinions addressing FAA issues. · Representation of local, national and international individuals and companies in all aspects pertaining to the purchase and sale of corporate aircraft. · Representation of fractional interest companies in connection with title and registration issues with the FAA Aircraft Registry. · Representation of aircraft owners, including co-owners under fractional interest programs, with issues relating to cost reimbursement for aircraft operations under FAR Part 91.501. · Representation of individuals and companies in negotiating and purchasing a fractional interest in an aircraft from a fractional program manager. · Providing escrow and closing services in connection with aviation transactions. · Providing advice and analysis with regard to the acquisition of aircraft title insurance. Attorney Articles · Summary of the FAA's Final Rule regarding Re-Registration and Renewal of Aircraft Registration
McAfee & Taft Aviation Law Alert - July 20, 2010 · International registry goes live with registrations of fractional shares in aircraft
Business Leasing and Finance News - July 1, 2007 · Cape Town and Aircraft Transactions in the United States
The Air and Space Lawyer, Winter 2006 - December 1, 2005 · Legal Opinions and Title Insurance Mitigate Risk Under Cape Town Convention
LJN's Equipment Leasing Newsletter - November 1, 2005 · Cape Town Convention: Complex Questions and Significant Opportunities
LJN's Equipment Leasing Newsletter - October 1, 2005 · Registration of Aircraft by a Limited Liability Company
McAfee & Taft - January 1, 2001 · Aircraft Registration: Challenges and Solutions
McAfee & Taft - January 1, 2001 · A General Overview of FAA Considerations in Corporate Aircraft Transactions
McAfee & Taft - October 1, 2000 At The Podium · If Things Are Better, Why Am I Still Nervous - Reducing Risks in a Closing presented at National Business Aviation Association's 2012 Aircraft Registration Conference on February 9, 2012 in Delray Beach, Florida. · NBAA Buying a Business Aircraft: Lessons from the Trenches presented at National Business Aviation Association 64th Annual Meeting & Convention on October 11, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. · Implications of Foreign Ownership presented at NBAA 2011 Business Aircraft Transactions Conference on June 10, 2011 in New York City, New York. Featured Media · What Aircraft Re-Registration Means Professional Organizations And Memberships · Oklahoma Bar Association · American Bar Association (ABA Forum on Air and Space Law; Aircraft Finance and Contracts Division) · National Business Aircraft Association (Member of Tax Committee since 1996) · National Aircraft Finance Association · Aviation Working Group (Member, Legal Advisory Panel) · International Registry Advisory Board (Technical Advisor) |