An airplane is considered a common carrier. Therefore, an airplane has a duty to its passengers to use the highest degree of care in proportion with the practical operation of the business.[4]  Furthermore, a common carrier has a duty to refrain from creating any condition that would subject its passengers to a risk of injury.[5]
Many air carrier accidents are caused by privately owned or operated aircrafts and not commercial aircrafts. Unlike commercial aircrafts, which must follow a higher degree of care due to federal regulations, privately owned air carriers must only use reasonable care towards passengers to prevent injury.