Pennsylvania § 5503 - Law applicable to crimes and torts.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5503 — Law applicable to crimes and torts., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5503. Law applicable to crimes and torts.

(a) General rule.--All crimes, torts and other wrongs committed by or against a pilot or passengers, while in flight over or above the lands and waters of this Commonwealth, shall be governed by the law of this Commonwealth. The issue of whether damage occasioned by or to an aircraft, while over this Commonwealth, constitutes a tort, crime or other wrong by or against the owner of the aircraft shall be determined by the law of this Commonwealth.

(b) Liability for injury to passengers.--The liability of the owner or pilot of an aircraft carrying passengers, for injury or death to the passengers, shall be determined by the law applicable to torts on the lands or waters of this Commonwealth arising out of similar relationships.

(c) Liability for collision of aircraft.--The liability of the owner of one aircraft to the owner of another aircraft, or to pilots or passengers on either aircraft, for damage caused by collision, on land or in the air, shall be determined by the law applicable to torts on the lands or waters of this Commonwealth.

(d) Liability of insurer.--No insurer shall deny coverage under an exclusion in an agreement where there is no causal connection between the exclusion and any loss resulting from any accident.

(e) Rental insurance disclosure.--

(1) Every person who, in the ordinary course of his business, rents an aircraft to another person, shall deliver to such renter a written notice stating the nature and extent of insurance coverage provided, if any, for the renter against loss of or damage to the hull of the aircraft, or against liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of the aircraft. The notice shall contain the name of the person giving the notice and shall be in such form as required by the department.

(2) Every person subject to the requirements of paragraph (1) shall, in addition thereto, conspicuously post in every place he conducts business, a statement setting forth the nature and extent of insurance coverage.

(3) Any person who fails to deliver the notice in accordance with paragraph (1) commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5503

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5503 cover?

Section 5503 ("Law applicable to crimes and torts.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5503?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5503" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 5503 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.