Aviation Lawyer Represented Airlines, Manufacturers

Aviation Lawyer David N. Zeehandelaar has passed away following a battle with lymphoma.  He was 55 years old.

He was a well known expert in aviation law, leading the aviation practice for the law firm Blank Rome L.L.P., and handling litigation involving both major airline and commuter airline disasters and accidents involving military aircraft and components. He successfully defended the federal court case against the component manufacturer involved in a multi-fatality disaster involving the military Osprey aircraft.

"Dave was a gifted partner, outstanding leader and tremendous friend to all at Blank Rome,” said Alan Hoffman, Co-Chairman of Blank Rome. “His valiant battle with cancer was the only loss I have known him to have. He was respected and sought after by his clients not only for his expertise and counsel as an attorney, but moreover for the character and integrity with which he practiced law. We will miss him dearly."

Zeehandelaar, who also held a commercial pilot’s certificate and instrument rating, served on the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Airport Advisory Board. He was also a judge pro tempore at the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County.

According to a news release on the law firm's website, David loved to travel mostly by air. He achieved his goal of visiting all 50 states by the time he celebrated his 50th birthday. He also enjoyed cycling in Tuscany, various national parks, and most recently, on a 35-mile autumn bike ride through Bucks County the week before he fell ill.

Mr. Zeehandelaar was married to Mona Gusoff in 1977, and she survives, along with two children and his mother.

FMI: www.blankrome.com