HB493 Summary

• Establishes mechanic's lien for persons who store, fuel, repair, or perform maintenance on aircraft, either for the contracted amount or reasonable compensation if no contract amount is specified.

• Storage contracts qualify for lien protection only if written or if verbal and for at least 30 days.

• Mechanic's lien is subordinate to any Uniform Commercial Code security interests perfected before the work was provided, unless the secured party authorized the work.

• Lien holder may record with the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Registry within 180 days after completion of work by filing a verified document containing lien holder information, amount due, aircraft description, and owner details.

• Lien holder may record with Alabama Secretary of State within 180 days for aircraft not registered in the United States or not registered in any national jurisdiction by filing an affidavit; Secretary of State may charge filing fees and shall maintain indexed records by owner name.

• Act becomes effective October 1, 2024.