Flytenow Loses Ride-Share Case In Federal Court

0

Flytenow, an online business that connected private pilots with cost-sharing passengers, is facing permanent closure after a court ruling Friday.The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia decided to let stand the FAA’s position that pilots who use Flytenow’s website are advertising commercial flights. Flytenow sued the FAA after the agency said in 2014 that ride-sharing websites were against regulations, following an interpretation request by a similar service, AirPooler. Since then, Flytenow has ceased operations and argued its case to a panel of judges in September.

“This is a huge blow to innovation and entrepreneurship in general aviation,” said Jon Riches of the Goldwater Institute and Flytenow’s attorney. “Courts give extreme deference to regulatory agencies, often at the expense of innovation.” The institute is exploring options including requesting a rehearing and petitioning the Supreme Court to hear the case. Flytenow has argued thatit has First Amendment rights to post ride-sharing online. “Flytenow pilots are engaged in truthful communications about lawful activity, and, as the U.S. Supreme Court has said time and again, this is protected speech,” Riches said.

LEAVE A REPLY