This is your pilot speaking: Q&A with Shelley Ewalt '07

Pilot Shelley Ewalt used a law degree to take a career in aviation career to new heights. Now an aviation attorney at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, Ewalt shares her thoughts on the airline industry. 

How is the airline industry today? 
It was a tough decade for the airline industry, starting with 9/11, followed by a global recession and high fuel expenses. On the other hand, as a result of these challenges, airlines have learned to be much more nimble in pricing models and not fixate on the traditional revenue streams.

Although business aviation was affected just as much by the economy, I believe it is starting to come back too. Business aviation is a good indicator of overall corporate health, and corporate aircraft are a great test bed for new technology and manufacturing processes. These technologies trickle down to many other industries and are incredibly valuable. Business aviation got some bad press a few years ago, but it's an incredibly vibrant and truly American industry that provides a lot of terrific jobs solely in the U.S. The world's owners of corporate jets bring them to the U.S. for service and maintenance.

How is the airline industry changing worldwide? 
Air transportation of people and cargo continues to expand more or less, along with the economy. The Open Skies agreements that the U.S. has championed have brought a certain level playing field to the airlines of different countries, but restrictive ownership rules will continue to be a burden to competition. Economies like China's are growing extremely rapidly and so does air transportation in and out of the country. It will be fascinating to watch China grow its aviation infrastructure. A Chinese company has recently made an agreement to purchase a U.S. company called Cirrus, which makes fantastic small piston aircraft. Cirrus helped revitalize and rebuild the U.S. general aviation industry after it nearly died in the '80s. It's a really interesting opportunity to see how China's small aircraft industry will develop and partner with the rest of the world.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
My work is intellectually challenging, fast-paced, interesting, and very hands-on in an operational way. I work closely with a number of foreign air carriers, and it is astounding how many regulations apply to the industry. Air carriers comply with the regulations of every country that they fly into, and they do an amazing job of it. The latest passenger protection rules are going into effect this year and the ‘tarmac delay' rules have received a lot of attention. Nobody wants to sit on an airplane on the ground for an extensive amount of time, but these rules place all responsibility on the airline. It's tough for the airlines because they have no control over certain aspects of facilities and services on the ground, like gate availability. When an airline's flights are 12-15 hours long, it is extremely difficult to predict and control every factor that will exist on the ground when the aircraft arrives.

What's the toughest part of your job?
One of the challenges of working in a heavily regulated industry is needing to be familiar with the rules of so many different government agencies. Some of these agencies' rules were written long ago and have never been analyzed to see how they make sense in today's business climate.

Another challenge is balancing the clients' need for extremely prompt answers with the need to keep ahead of larger, long-term issues that are developing

How did you become interested in aviation?
I became fascinated with flying and airplanes as a teenager and spent a majority of my time at the Civil Air Patrol at the Quad City Airport in Moline, Illinois. Through the Civil Air Patrol, I got to spend a lot of time at the airport and learned to fly. I received my pilot's license at the age of 19, and shortly after obtained a multi-engine rating, instrument rating, commercial license, and a flight instructor's rating.

Why did you go to law school?
For seven years I was vice president of Modifications Marketing for Duncan Aviation, the largest privately-owned business aircraft modification and maintenance center in the world. After those seven years, I was ready for a new challenge. I was doing a lot of business deals with my clients' attorneys and I liked their thought processes as well as working with them. I decided that law school would be my launching pad.

How are you making a difference in the airline industry?
I bring a very pragmatic, hands-on understanding of the operational side of the aviation business to my current position as an aviation attorney [at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot]. My work days consist of researching and providing guidance on all aspects of regulatory law for air carriers and business aircraft owners and operators, obtaining Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration authority for new air carrier and business aviation entrants, and representing air carriers in investigations and enforcement actions. I am also responsible for training on the Department of Transportation's requirements regarding passengers with disabilities.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I live in Alexandria, Virginia, near Old Town. I encourage graduates of The Dickinson School of Law to come to D.C.! It's tough to break in, but really worth it once you get started. We have a very supportive group of Dickinson graduates in D.C.