Education

Bar Admission

  • 1994 Admitted to the British Columbia Bar

Darryl Pankratz is a member of our Aviation Practice and contributor to the Aviation Law Blog. He is also a member of our Insurance Practice. His practice is primarily litigation based with a core emphasis on issues relating to the aviation industry.

He provides counsel to regional, national and international airlines as well as their insurers. On their behalf, Mr. Pankratz has handled aircraft accidents and incidents involving both passenger and cargo liability claims. He represents and advises numerous airport authorities throughout Canada as well as airport security organizations.

On behalf of aviation underwriters, Mr. Pankratz has successfully pursued and defended numerous complex products liability claims against aircraft and component manufacturers and overhaulers. He also provides counsel to fixed and rotary wing operators, maintenance facilities, flight schools and pilots in a variety of aviation-related matters, including administrative issues with Transport Canada.

Mr. Pankratz has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia. He also conducts litigation in Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic provinces and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Mr. Pankratz was recognized in the Guide to the World’s Leading Aviation Lawyers between 2013-2019.

Representative Experience

  • Acting as counsel in aircraft hull, passenger and cargo liability claims
  • Acting as counsel in product liability claims on behalf of operators, aircraft maintenance organizations and manufacturers
  • Acting as counsel in matters regarding airport liability claims
  • Providing counsel and advice to pilots and operators on regulatory and licensing issues involving Transport Canada and Canadian Transportation Agency
  • Providing counsel and advice to insurers on coverage issues
  • Has extensive experience handling claims involving personal injury, professional negligence and fire loss
  • Has significant experience assisting employers and workers with claims involving the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia (“WorkSafeBC”)

Publications

  • September 2023, “Aviation Liability Report“, Lexology, Co- Author
  • April 2023,”Air Carrier Passenger Liability”, McGill University / PEOPIL Conference on International Aviation: Liability, Insurance & Finance, Panelist
  • April 2023, “The Criteria to Disclose an On-Board Recording in Litigation No Longer in a Black Box”, The Transportation Lawyer Journal, Co- Author
  • January 2007 – 2023, “Recent Developments in Canadian Aviation Law”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Speaker
  • 2008 – Present, British Columbia Institute of Technology, School of Transportation – Aviation/Airport Law, Instructor
  • January 2022, “Getting the Deal Through: Aviation Liability 2021“, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • January 2021, “Getting the Deal Through: Aviation Liability 2021“, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • January 2020, “Max, You’re Grounded! The Aftermath of the Two Boeing 737 MAX Crashes”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Moderator
  • October 2019, “Update on Products Liability Cases and a Case Study on Major Accident Litigation: Plaintiff and Defendant Strategies”, McGill Institute of Air and Space Law: 12th Annual Conference, Speaker
  • January 2019, “Transportation Accidents: Investigations and Litigation”, CBABC WebinarSpeaker
  • January 2019, “Aviation: Broker Liability Issues”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Speaker
  • January 2019, “Getting the Deal Through: Aviation Liability 2019“, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • November 2017, “Getting the Deal Through: Aviation Liability 2018″, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • June 2017, “Liability of Airports, ANSP’s, Lessors and Maintenance Providers”, McGill Institute of Air and Space Law: 10th Annual Conference, Speaker
  • April 2017, “Workers’ Compensation Legislation in Canada – Protection & Peril”, NATA Annual Conference, Speaker
  • February 2017, “The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Aviation Law 2017”, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • February 2016, “The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Aviation Law 2016”, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • April 2015, “International Aviation Liability and Insurance”, McGill Institute of Air and Space Law: 8th Annual Conference, Speaker
  • February 2015, “The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Aviation Law 2014”, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • April 2014, “You’re Grounded: Insurance and Legal Ramifications”, 2014 CHC Safety and Quality Summit, Speaker
  • February 2014, “The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Aviation Law 2014”, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • February 2013, “The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Aviation Law 2013”, Canada Chapter, Co-author
  • 2007, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®, Aviation Law, Author
  • Assisted with the organization and conduct of various continuing legal and insurance education seminars including Insurance Broker Liability, Insurers’ Duty to Defend and Coverage Issues

Blogs

SCC Hears Case on Production of On-Board Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Following TSB Investigation

Federal Court of Canada Denies Application for Class Action Against Compensation for Delayed Flights

COVID-19: Evolving Measures to Promote Safer Skies

New Rules for the Unruly – Montreal Protocol 2014 Comes Into Force

Timed Out

A new “Passenger Bill of Rights” is en route

Canada Labour Code and Employee Safety: Is a Helicopter Medevac Operator Required to Provide Night Vision Goggles?

Transport Canada proposes controversial new regulations on flight crew hours of work and rest periods

PTSD is not a “bodily injury” down under

Northern Exposure

Flight Deck Security

Bond: Training Bond

Canadian Government Amends Regulations for Offshore Flights

Status Quo for Limits of Liability under Montreal Convention

UK Accident Investigation Reports Admissible in Legal Proceedings — What about Canada?

What is “Air Service”?

No Aviation Insurance Coverage for Pilot Without Valid License

Valid Medical Certificate Required for Coverage

May I See Some I.D.?

CTA Ruling on Allergies: Buffer Zone Update

Pilot’s Criminal Conviction Overturned

Darryl's
Focus

Practice Areas:

  • Business
  • Personal
  • Insurance