Biography
Forrest Owens spent his formative years in Indiana. Mr. Owens attended Vincennes University where he focused his studies on aviation technology and obtained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) as well as private pilot licenses, graduating with an A.S. in 1998. Mr. Owens subsequently attended Indiana University Kelley School of Business where he majored in Finance with a minor in Economics, completing a B.S. in 2001. During the course of undergraduate study, Mr. Owens worked full-time for a leading aircraft turbine engine manufacturer based in Indianapolis as well as a regional airline and an internationally recognized aviation centered freight company. Mr. Owens attended law school at Valparaiso University where he graduated with a J.D. in 2005.
Mr. Owens has spent over a decade focused on aviation related legal matters with boutique aviation firms. Mr. Owens has acted as counsel in the purchase and sale of hundreds of aircraft transactions ranging from experimental home-built aircraft to large cabin corporate aircraft. Mr. Owens has worked with every major manufacturer of turbine powered corporate aircraft. Mr. Owens has also been involved in the merger and acquisition of many aviation related businesses.
Mr. Owens practice concentrates on aircraft and aviation related transactions, cross-border transactions, airman defense before the FAA and Department of Transportation, airport real estate and land use, and civil litigation. Mr. Owens joined SG in 2015. Mr. Owens practices through L. Forrest Owens, P.A. d/b/a Aviation Legal Counsel.
Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana
- J.D. - 2005
- Indiana University Kelley School of Business
- B.S. - 2001
- Major: Finance
- Minor: Economics
- Vincennes University
- A.S. - 1998
- Honors: Technology Department Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, 2005
- Major: Aviation Technology
Practice Areas
- Aircraft and Aviation Related Transactions
- Cross-Border Transactions
- Airman Defense
- Airport Real Estate and Land Use
- Civil Litigation
Certified Legal Specialties
- Board Certified Aviation Law, 2017
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2007
- Illinois, 2008
Pro-Bono Activities
- National Business Aviation Association – Regulatory Issues Advisory Group
- Regulatory Issues Advisory Group – Maintenance Committee Liaison
- South Florida Business Aviation Association, Treasurer
- Florida Bar – Standing Member of the Aviation Law Committee
- Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association – Panel Attorney
- National Aircraft Finance Association
- Florida Aircraft Business Association