Blue Booth v. Santa Barbara Biplane Tours, LLC

Blue Booth and his daughter Cassey Booth appeal from a summary judgment granted in favor of respondents Santa Barbara Biplane Tours, LLC, et al., on their complaint for personal injuries. The trial court ruled that the action was barred by a release and waiver of liability agreement. We agree and affirm.

Facts and Procedural History

In May of 2005, appellants went on an aerial sightseeing tour of Santa Barbara. They sustained injuries when respondents’ plane lost power and *1176 made an emergency landing. Appellants signed a release and waiver of liability about 30 minutes before boarding the plane. Prior to the emergency landing, the pilot had made several flights earlier in the day, all without incident.

Appellants sued alleging simple negligence and breach of implied warranty. The complaint stated that respondents acted “as a common carrier on an advertised and promoted sight-seeing tour around Santa Barbara. The contract of carriage was entered into and, among other things, carried an implied warranty of airworthiness of the aircraft, as well as suitability for the use and purposes intended . . . .”

Respondents moved for summary judgment based on the following…