GARA is the acronym for the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994. It was designed to protect the makers of smaller, private aircrafts from liability for accidents involving older airplanes and/or parts. GARA is a statute of repose, and consequently prevents claims against the manufacturer of an aircraft (or constituent part) once the item has been in service for 18 years. There are instances when GARA does not apply, such as if the aircraft, at the time of the accident, was engaged in scheduled transportation of passengers or in operation for air medical services.