Philip J. Ford brings a long and varied aviation career to the legal arena. Phil began his commercial flying career in the early 70’s, flying passengers and freight throughout the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. He acquired his Airline Transport Pilot Certificate in 1976 and spent a number of years as a line captain for a regional air carrier. He then became Chief Pilot for one of the largest regional airlines in Florida during the late 70’s. In that capacity, he acquired many years of experience dealing with Federal Aviation Administration. Phil was also a company flight instructor and check airman.
In addition to his regional airline experience, Phil has many years of experience in corporate jets including Learjets, Citation Jets and Falcon Jets in both passenger carrying and freight operations under FAR Part 135 in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Phil has over 10,000 hours of pilot experience in many different types of reciprocating, turbo prop and turbo jet aircraft. He brings this actual hands on aviation experience to his work in litigation involving airline disasters, as well as general aviation accidents. He has been described by plaintiff and defense lawyers alike as one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the field of air crash litigation.
During his 20 years of aviation litigation, Phil has been involved in many types of air crash cases. These cases include a class action lawsuit involving a turbo prop aircraft, their engines and fuel control components. His cases have included fatal crashes involving large and small civilian and military aircraft.
As a senior member of The Wolk Law Firm trial team, Phil has participated in litigation resulting in some of the biggest aviation jury verdicts and settlements in Florida and Tennessee. Phil and the firm’s clients have also included victims of major airline disasters, including, United 585 in Colorado Springs; US Air 427 in Pittsburgh; Egypt Air 990; Swissair 111; and the Comair disaster in Monroe Township, Michigan.
Phil’s litigation experience has involved a wide range of aviation products and service, including, aircraft; aircraft engines; navigational components; exhaust systems; fuel control systems; radar systems; propeller systems; carburetors and air traffic control; maintenance and manufacturing negligence.
Phil has long been a tenacious advocate for individuals and families whose lives have been forever altered as the result of negligence and wrongful conduct of others. His experience has resulted in him developing a practice throughout the United States.
Phil received his Bachelor of Science degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida. He continued his aviation career while attending Nova Southeastern University Law School, graduating in 1987 with his Juris Doctor degree.
Phil is a member of the Florida and Pennsylvania Bar. He is a member of the American Bar Association; the American Trial Lawyers Association; the Lawyer Pilot’s Bar Association; and the Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association.
