Section 44

Any operator of an aircraft in flight is liable for damages caused by that aircraft or the operation thereof, or caused by any person or object aboard that aircraft or attached to that aircraft, or a person or object falling from that aircraft, which results in the death of or personal injury to, or damage to the property of, a third party.

Where the aircraft concerned has been bona fide demised, let or hired out for any period to any other person by the owner thereof, and no pilot, commander, navigator or operative member of the crew of the aircraft is in the employment of the owner, this Act shall have effect as if references to the operator were substituted by references to the person to whom that aircraft has been so demised, let or hired out.