Author: Andrew George
Practice area: Public Order
Andrew is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1995 with over 30 years of experience across all Victorian courts, tribunals and Royal Commissions. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Andrew authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 5th August 2026.
What is the offence of Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft?
Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft is a serious indictable offence under section 246A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). It criminalises intentional conduct that places the safe operation of an aircraft at risk, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight.
Key points
- What must be proved: Intentional conduct that endangered the safe operation of an aircraft.
- Type of conduct: Deliberate acts or omissions affecting aircraft safety.
- Where it is heard: County Court.
The maximum penalty for Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft is 15 years imprisonment.
Common defences may include lack of intent, or that the conduct did not endanger the safe operation of an aircraft.
Have you been accused of Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft? This is a serious allegation and it is important you receive some legal advice before speaking with the police to avoid saying something which may prejudice you later on.
Police Interview
The police interview is an important part of the investigation. The main purpose of the police interview is to get admissions or information from which will assist the prosecution case against you. Police officers are trained to ask questions with the aim of exposing inconsistencies in your version.
It is worth speaking with a lawyer before your interview so you can be advised of the questions you must answer and the ones you are not obliged to answer. This advice can be the difference between you being able to contest the charge or having to negotiate a resolution with prosecutors.
You may also decide to have one of our lawyers sit in on the police interview with you. This will give you some comfort to know that you have someone there looking after your best interests.
Pleading Not Guilty
If you deny an allegation that you Endangered the Safe Operation of an Aircraft, you can take your matter to trial. The success of your trial will depend on the amount of preparation you put into your case. Our lawyers have decades of experience running trials. We know what is involved and how to prepare them for success.
Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty to an allegation of Endangering the Safe Operation of an Aircraft, you want a lawyer in your corner who is going to listen to your personal circumstances, reasons for offence and present them to the Court.
Our lawyers are skilled Court advocates and know how to present relevant information for a Court. Having an experienced lawyer represent you in Court can make a significant difference to the outcome.
Examples of Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft
- An engineer fails to do all the required checks on an aircraft.
- A pilot decides to fly a plane without a co-pilot.
Defences
- You did not do anything that would endanger the safe operation of an aircraft.
- You did not intentionally endanger the safe operation of an aircraft.
There are other possible defences, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offending. Each matter is unique and requires an individual approach and strategy.
Questions that are asked in cases like this:
- What do they think you actually did?
- Can they prove you did anything that endangered the safe operation of an aircraft?
- Can they prove you intentionally endangered the safe operation of an aircraft?
Maximum penalty and court that deals with this charge
The maximum penalty for Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft (s246A of the Crimes Act 1958) is 15 years imprisonment.
This is a strictly indictable charge which means that your case must be heard in the County Court.
What can you be sentenced to for this charge?
Endangering safe operation of an aircraft is a very serious offence that may mean you serve a prison term if you are found guilty.
What is the legal definition of Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft?
The Prosecution must show that you did something which threatened the safe operation of an aircraft and that the act was done intentionally.
Did you endanger the operation of a plane?
The Law
The section that covers this offence is section 246A of the Crimes Act 1958.
FAQs for Endangering Safe Operation of an Aircraft
What conduct can amount to endangering the safe operation of an aircraft?
Does the offence require intention?
Does the aircraft need to be in flight?
What must the prosecution prove in court?
What defences apply to endangering safe operation of an aircraft charges in Victoria?
Defences for endangering safe operation of an aircraft include lack of intent, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Your lawyer will analyse the case facts to determine the strongest defence strategy.
