Rachel’s primary focus is on highly focused advocacy and problem solving.  With nearly four decades of experience in resolving challenges for clients, Rachel’s first step in any project is an analysis of the client’s needs and concerns, and the development of a strategy for addressing them.

The complex regulatory environment applicable to the aviation and aerospace fields can be overwhelming and confusing for entities looking for solutions.  The development of a strategy may be simple or complex, it may have a straight path or it may require an in-depth, multi-layered approach.  The solution may be at the federal agency level, it may be operational, technical, transactional, contractual, legislative, or it may be a combination of approaches.

For example, an obstacle faced by a client may require something as simple as a discussion with agency regulators, or it may require the development of a multi-prong approach involving the development of detailed written submissions.  Other challenges may require the intervention of congressional members or staff, or the submission of numerous rounds of in-depth advocacy-driven documentation.  In some cases a solution may require the action of a like-minded coalition, or the drafting and negotiation of complex transaction documents.

Rachel’s initial focus is on determining how best to match the client’s needs, goals and resources to the most effective and efficient path to the desired result.  After close operation with the client, Rachel presents clients with her proposed strategy and implementation plan, and works closely with clients throughout the process to ensure a highly informed and cooperative process.  Rachel believes in a hands-on, personalized relationship with clients to serve their needs in a manner that best addresses their concerns and goals.

Examples include:

• In a lawsuit pending in federal court concerning wetlands mitigation at a large airport, Rachel enlisted the resources of the court to bring about a mediated solution that garnered the support of all parties and enabled the withdrawal of the lawsuit.
• When a foreign air carrier wished to start up new international services to the United States from an overseas airport not yet rated by the TSA on security compliance, Rachel worked with all affected parties to help expedite the security review and approval to enable the timely commencement of air services.
• When a large airport planned on opening a new international arrivals processing facility, Rachel worked closely with the client, with Customs and Border Protection and with congressional interests to help secure a commitment for federal funding, technology and staffing for the facility.
• In connection with the sale of a major aircraft operator to a multinational entity, Rachel worked closely with the client and US regulators to develop an agreement concerning the degree of foreign investment permitted under US requirements.
• In cases where clients were facing significant financial penalties proposed by agency regulators, Rachel advocated successfully for alternative solutions.
• In a case involving non-compliance allegations against the use of airport revenue for non-airport projects, Rachel helped develop advocacy-driven materials that enabled the federal agency to withdraw its concerns.
• Where an outdated federal regulation made it practically impossible for a client to comply, Rachel prepared materials and worked closely with federal regulators and industry groups to achieve the withdrawal of the regulation.
• In connection with the development of certification specifications and testing for a leading edge aircraft design modification, Rachel helped the client prepare materials that enabled the relevant federal agency apply alternative standards for compliance.