Subject to the limitations set forth in this chapter, every person has a lien dependent upon possession for the compensation to which he is legally entitled for making repairs or performing labor upon, and furnishing supplies or materials for, and for the storage, repair, or safekeeping of, any aircraft, also for reasonable charges for the use of any landing aid furnished such aircraft and reasonable landing fees.
§ 1208.61.Lien For Making Repairs, Performing Labor Or Furnishing Supplies and Materials
Title 4. Of the Enforcement of Liens · Chapter 5. Liens on Aircraft · Enacted 1953 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceSection 1208.61 gives anyone who repairs, works on, stores, or safeguards an aircraft, or supplies materials for it, a lien dependent on keeping possession of the aircraft, also covering reasonable landing-aid charges and landing fees.
Full Text of § 1208.61
Plain-English Summary
This section opens Title 4's chapter on aircraft liens, and it establishes a possessory lien — one that exists only so long as the lienholder keeps possession of the aircraft. Anyone who makes repairs, performs labor, furnishes supplies or materials, or stores, repairs, or safekeeps an aircraft earns a lien for the compensation legally owed for that work.
The lien also covers reasonable charges for the use of landing aids furnished to the aircraft, and reasonable landing fees. Because the lien depends on possession, later sections in this chapter address what happens if possession is lost through trickery (§ 1208.64) and how the lien is enforced through a sale while the lienholder still holds the aircraft (§ 1208.65).
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lien does this section create?
A lien dependent on possession -- the lienholder must retain possession of the aircraft for the lien to remain effective.
What work or charges does this lien cover?
Repairs, labor, supplies or materials furnished, storage, repair, or safekeeping of the aircraft, plus reasonable landing-aid charges and landing fees.
Does this lien require any recording, like the oil and gas lien under § 1203.58?
No. Because it's a possessory lien, it depends on the lienholder keeping the aircraft rather than on recording a document.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 52.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: aircraft repair lien californiaaircraft mechanic lien california