Michael Wytcherley

Michael acts extensively for airlines and insurers in litigation and also in regulatory matters. These are areas in which he combines a knowledge of relevant legal issues with knowledge of the practical and technical issues relevant to the industry.

Michael provides regulatory advice to airlines and other operators in the Australian, Pacific and South East Asian regions and has acted in judicial and administrative reviews of regulatory action taken against operators. He also has significant experience in dealing with ‘show cause’ notices issued to operators

After completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales, Michael began flying and obtained an Australian Commercial Pilots Licence, working as a fixed wing pilot in power-line patrolling operations.  Michael commenced practising as a solicitor at Norton White in 2002. 

Michael has acted for airlines and underwriters as well as general aviation operators and maintenance providers in respect of passenger and cargo claims, including claims involving multiple fatalities and serious injuries, as well as in subrogated claims on behalf of insurers.  Michael has represented members of the aviation industry at coronial inquests in a number of jurisdictions and also has significant experience in product liability claims and competition law issues affecting the aviation industry, including acting in litigation concerning alleged cargo cartels in both Australia and New Zealand.

Michael provides specific legal assistance in the following areas:

• advising on legislation and regulatory issues affecting airlines, operators and maintenance organisations in the Australian, Pacific and South East Asian regions, including issues arising out of international conventions, local legislation and the rise of cross-border regulation
• advising and acting for airlines, operators and maintenance providers in respect of regulatory action, including handling ‘show cause’ notices and appeals to the Federal Court of Australia and Administrative Appeals Tribunal
• representing airlines and underwriters on claims arising out of international and domestic carriage by air for Australian and international airlines in respect of accidents and incidents in Australia and overseas
• advising and acting on claims for accidents and incidents in general aviation
• acting on product liability claims

You may contact Michael on +61 2 9230 9482 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.